The harpist Catrin Finch has played everything in her career: major classical works for her instrument and orchestra, Bach’s Goldberg Variations in a notable arrangement (a piece originally for keyboard), or duets with Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita. Notes to Self takes, this time, the form of an autobiographical approach. Finch has here composed eleven introspective pieces that she describes as little letters to her younger self. In 13, for example, she tells herself :
Know that life will be laced with confusion, and it will take you some time to tune in to yourself and find out who and what makes your heart strings sing. And that’s ok. We don’t always have the answers straight away, just don’t be afraid of the journey. Treasure it, enjoy it, and keep your heart open.
A program coloured by fairly predictable but benevolent life advice. That said, the melodies have all the required tenderness and are pleasantly adorned with Celtic folk touches. Some are even quite poignant (Kin). Finch is a top musician. These short pieces clearly pose no particular technical challenge for her. Maybe that’s why she finds the space to put so much energy and personality into them.
An album you’ll listen to under a warm blanket, with your latest Cosy Fantasy read. You’ll see, it fits perfectly.
