Yukiko Hirao - Kanon (2016) [SACD]

This is the debut album of harpist Yukiko Hirao, who hails from Kanazawa. The first four tracks feature a grand harp, while the remaining twelve tracks use a smaller Saul harp, allowing listeners to appreciate the charm of both instruments. Hirao gently colors the approachable melodies with sparkling tones, bringing a bright, soft sense of peace to each piece.

Tracks:

01. Watkins: Fire Dance (1:57)
02. Debussy: Arabesque No.1 (4:13)
03. Debussy: La fille aux cheveux de lin (2:30)
04. Pachelbel: Canon (4:24)
05. Neapolitan Song: Variations on Carnival in Venice (4:07)
06. Handel: Passacaglia (3:02)
07. Handel: Water Music: Alla Hornpipe (1:35)
08. Lehar: The Merry Widow Waltz (2:44)
09. J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No.1: Prelude (2:10)
10. Gossec: Gavotte (2:34)
11. J.S. Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (3:09)
12. Badarzewska-Baranowska: The Maiden's Prayer (2:25)
13. Yamada: Karatachi no Hana (2:15)
14. Okano: Furusato (2:18)
15. Izumi: Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo (2:50)
16. Irish Song: Down by the Salley Gardens (2:57)

Personnel:

Yukiko Hirao - grand harp (#1-4), saul harp (#5-16)