The most lyrical and romantic New Age harp music came from the strings of the late Hilary Stagg, whose albums have brought pleasure to millions of listeners over the span of his all-to-brief years of music making. Drawing from his quintet of albums, this memorial collection includes eight of Stagg’s best compositions, supplemented by a trio of songs from Andreas Vollenweider, 2002, and Kevin Kern.
Melodies rendered on Stagg’s custom amplified Celtic harp are supported by keyboards and occasional guitar, bass, violin, and light percussion. “Forever and a Day” joins harp and violin in a lovely duet filled with life. Pachelbel’s “Canon” is arranged and transposed in C for harp. Undulating harp strings riding above synths and percussion reprise the classic "Dream Spiral,” the title track to an album that many listeners say has helped them through difficult times. Composed especially for this memorial, “Kindered Spirit” by 2002 features dreamy flutes, harp, and drifting synths and voices in heavenly tribute. “Sweet Return,” from Stagg’s album of the same name, is angelic and pure. This album is great music for relaxing, meditating, therapy, or any of the healing arts and is perhaps the most beautiful harp collection you’ll hear all year.