Disc 1 (66:48)
01 Harbor Cove 4:56
02 Tranquility/Reflections 7:03
03 Gentle Souls 3:29
04 In the Glow 6:21
05 Passacaglia – Handel Healing Harp 5:00
06 Unité 3:59
07 Prelude in C 2:46
08 Love of Creation/The Dove 4:41
09 Anam Cara 2:47
10 Carrickfergus 2:39
11 Music IS Love 2:11
12 Geodepédie – Hidden Light 4:52
13 White Rose 2:56
14 Avondale 3:01
15 Sky’s Invitation 5:52
16 Clair de Lune 3:37

Disc 2 (66:11)
01 Imaginings (Duo) 4:44
02 Colors of the Season 2:56
03 Amethyst Of Avalon 3:29
04 Willow 5:49
05 Fingal’s Cave and The Sea 4:37
06 Canon in D 6:00
07 Shadow Spirit 2:48
08 Light of Life 5:30
09 The Swan 3:50
10 Reminisce 3:58
11 As Above So Below 8:39
12 Birch 4:57
13 Adante 5:54
14 Cherubim 2:25

International harpist Christina Tourin presents From the Angelic Harp Realm – The Best of Christina Tourin, an album that transports the listener to a serene plane where the strings of harp narrate stories of timeless beauty, peace and introspections.  I personally found these albums not just collections of soul-stirring musical compositions, but a transformative experience that leaves you into a new being – much refined and rejuvenated once you have journeyed through these songs.

“From the Angelic Harp Realm” is a masterful compilation of Christina’s most cherished works. I would say that in her hands, Christina’s harp serves not merely as an instrument but as a voice – a storyteller directly addressing the listener’s heart. The Album opens with a sense of gentleness and grace.  Her harp music is characterized by precision and fluidity and every track feels intentional. Therefore, we feel it has been crafted not merely to be heard, but to be felt since it has the ability to resonate with the soul’s deepest passions.

Christina’s style is admirable.  Interestingly, she allows space between notes. Therefore, each of the notes is given a chance to resonante and bloom. This unique and thoughtful approach sets her music apart and therefore we find in her an exceptional talent that understands the power of silence as much as sound.

“From the Angelic Harp Realm” is a testimony that highlights Christina’s amazing mastery of the harp. Listening to these pieces, we can’t help but marvel at the rare ability of the artist to evoke profound emotions through delicate, yet powerful compositions. The sonic feast the artist brings you in these songs becomes a laudable mission by the celebrated composer who seeks to nurture your soul’s deep quest with her profound art. If you’re seeking inner serenity and peacefulness, “From the Angelic Harp Realm” is an ideal companion for your journey. V. Kumar www.newmusicalert.com

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“Geodepédie – Hidden Light” – For Christina Tourin, this powerful, thought provoking phrase is more than simply the perfect title for the influential, world renowned harpist/composer’s sparkling, magically lyrical new album – her first since 2010’s Iona Inspirations, which capped a prolific and prodigious 20 years of composing and recording.

Like the title of one of its key tracks “Music Is Love,” it’s an eloquent, multi-faceted expression of her soul purpose, a powerful symbol reflecting her deep understanding of her personal place and role in the universe. Looking into the crystalline light of a newly opened geode, one can see the relationship of the night sky filled with glittering stars, planets and galaxies. The music and narrative themes of Christina’s album remind us of the words we hear spoken so often by the great masters: “AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.” It’s a popular modern paraphrase of the second verse of the Emerald Tablet, a compact and cryptic Hermitic text. Lest we forget we are indeed connected to the ABOVE in every way, while the universe lives BELOW in the smallest beauties within the Earth. “With a twist on Erik Satie’s “Gymnopedie,” Christina says, “may we open ourselves to let light shine forth as the beautiful geode!”

Track Listing:

1. Geodepédie – Hidden Light

2. Music IS Love

3. Passacaglia – Handel’s Healing Harp

4. Brigid’s Green Mantle

5. Land O’ The Leal

6. Early One Morning

7. Walk Through The Sunflowers

8. Reminisce

9. Sommarpsalm

10. Icelandic Northern Lights

11. Morning Mood

12. Largo – Vivaldi’s Vision

13. Arigatou, I For You

14. Amethyst of Avalon

15. As Above, So Below

16. Colors Of The Seasons

All compositions by Christina Tourin

Musicians:
list to follow

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Truly beautiful music which is very suitable for relaxation purposes, or whilst receiving a massage or other bodywork therapies.

Sounding Strings harp magazine of Scotland describes Christina thus:

“…that delightful rarity, a composer of contemporary melodies that are singable! Her style lies between easy listening and jazz. [This] recording, Starlight, is tranquil, relaxing music with an intimate feel to it. She uses the warmth of the cello and the purity of the flute (her accompanying instruments) to superb effect.”

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

1. Light of Life 5:25
2. A Quiet Place (2:13) (Music by Jeanine Yeager, Harry Fox Agency)
3. A Haunting Refrain (2:15) (Music by Jeanine Yeager, Harry Fox Agency)
4. The Dove (3:40)
5. Flow Gently Sweet Afton (2:10) (Scottish trad.)
6. All the World is Sleeping (4:24) (Welsh lullaby)
7. Starlight (2:57)
8. Cassandra’s Dream (3:46)
9. In the Bleak Mid-Winter (2:35) G Holst, arranged by C Tourin)
10. Snowy Wood (5:40)
11. Little Boats (2:54) (Celtic trad.)
12. Lost Unicorn (3:49)
13. Shadow Spirit (2:44)
14. A Winter Round (3:46) (Anon.)

All compositions by Christina Tourin unless indicated otherwise.

Musicians:
Harp: Christina Tourin
Flute: Karen Kevra
Cello: Judith Hitt

Harps used: Hidden Valley Harps – Petite model, James Rydecki – Luthian model.

Recorded 1994, Chas Eller Studios, Charlotte, VT, USA

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

Amazon customer review:

“Relaxation at its best. As an insomniac I was very happy to find this CD. It is extremely soothing and yet not at all ‘canned’ as so many CDs that purport to be relaxing can be. The music has a very real, visceral quality to it, and while relaxing, the music is beautifully written and played, so that quality uplifts as well as relaxes.”

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Christina weaves the magical properties of trees into music. A beautiful piece by Bach sings the praises of the maple tree, while a Russian folk tune creates the glory of the birch tree.

Along with the pure tones of Christina’s harp this beautifully orchestrated album also features French horn, cello, violin, flute, guitar, bass, and percussion.

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

1. Birch (4:55) – Russian folksong
2. Forest Dawn (4:14) – John Rutter (Lux Aeterna)
3. Maple (3:47) – J S Bach – Badinerie
4. Oak (5:01) – Jim Schiaroli/C Tourin
5. Apple Tree (4:54) – Peter Sprague
6. Coral Tree (5:29) – Peter Sprague
7. Aspen (4:39) – Steve Kajula
8. Willow (5:47) – C Tourin/S Kajula
9. Redwood (4:13) – Sydney Long (Breck’s Song)
10. Prayer for the Living Trees (8:08) – Sue Richards (Hazel Grove), John Rutter (Lux Aeterna, Requiem)

Musicians:
Christina Tourin – harp
Steve Kujala – Flute
Carlos Reyes – Violin
Peter Sprague – Guitar
Marcia Bookstein – cello
Keith Pokejoy – French horn
Tom Aros – percussion
Kevin Hennessy – bass

Produced by Peter Sprague – Satyam Music BMI

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

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This album features 22 original compositions by harpist Christina Tourin, inspired by the theme of the labyrinth.

“To journey to the center of the labyrinth is to experience the most inner illumined part of your being. The compositions that you hear on this album have come from that very special place. With each musical gift of a tune that I have received, I pass them on with a little memo found within regarding their origins.” – Christina Tourin

The CD’s sleeve-notes include the ‘memos’ to which Christina refers above. Here are examples of the first few tracks:

1. The Dawn Early morning I awoke in Ireland and drove through the countryside through the gray mist, watching the yellow sun pierce its rays upon an old castle ruin. This tune filled my head as I drove through this magical, beautiful countryside.
2. Cridhe Cridhe means ‘heart’ in Gaelic.  I read a story about a young girl who lived in the Scottish Highlands and had been given her grandfather’s beloved harp upon his death. The name of the harp was Cridhe. This tune came to me as I reflected upon all the many things that touch our hearts.
3. Shadow Spirit As I was waiting for a bride to arrive at a church in Essex, VT, the sun’s rays poured through the stained glass windows and fell upon the harp’s soundboard in rich purple and blue hues. Purple is said to be the color of Spirit, and blue the color of mystery.

These beautiful compositions are also available in printed form in the 140-page music book, Healing Music Vol.1: Illuminations for harp players and students of Christina’s International Harp Therapy Program.

See also CD/audio-album Iona Inspirations, as well as Healing Music Vol 2: Inspirations book.

“In this sweet work, Christina combines her superb creative abilities as a composer with an unparalleled technique on harp.” – Richard Fuller, MP Review, 1/15/2000

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

1. The Dawn (3:34)
2. Cridhe – adjoins track
3. Shadow Spirit (4:09)
4. White Rose (2:56)
5. Snowy Wood (4:54)
6. Little Dove (3:36)
7. Light of Life (5:29)
8. Annwvyn (3:04)
9. Love of Creation/The Dove (4:41)
10. Illumination ( 0:30)
11. Anam Cara (2:47)
12. Cassandra’s Dream (3:50)
13. Diamonds From Heaven (2:32)
14. Unité (3:59)
15. Cherubim (2:01)
16. Seal Lullaby (2:30)
17. Harbor Cove (4:55)
18. Tranquility/Reflections (7:03)
19. Gentle Souls (3:29)
20. Jessiebelle of Silbury Hill (1:50)
21. Endearment (2:48)
22. Starlight (2:56)

All compositions by Christina Tourin © 2004

Musicians:
Harp & Keyboards: Christina Tourin
Kim Robertson: harp (trk 1)
Salina Briseno: voice (trk 2)
Christine Alicot: flute (trk 3)
Karen Kevra: flute (trk 4)
Judith Hitt: cello (trk 5)
Chris Michell: flute (trk 6)

Harps used in this recording: Hidden Valley – Petite Model, Glen Hill – Electric Harp, Rydecki – Luthien, William Rees – Glen Aulin

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

Amazon customer reviews:

(Both these reviews make reference to Illuminations Healing Music Vol.1 – the book of printed music for harp players.)

As Great as I’ve Heard I’ve listened to the CD for a while, which was very helpful when I received the music [book]. I’m a beginner so some of the music is beyond me at present, but I truly enjoy playing several pieces. This is exceptional music which people at all skill levels can enjoy. Thank you, Tina! – S. Krantz

Five Stars! Perfect for listening to figure out the sheet music! Lovely… soothing.– Nancy

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Celtic-inspired original compositions by harpist Christina Tourin and backed by virtuoso musicians on flutes, guitar, keyboards and cello.

Through Christina’s magical music, experience the mystery of the tiny sacred island of Iona, located off the wild western coast of Scotland.

Christina stretches the possibilities of what the Celtic harp can do! Delicious sounds that are both romantic and soothing.

“It is with great pleasure that I share the inspirations that brought forth the music for this album.

In April of 2007 I journeyed to the Isle of Iona off the western coast of Scotland for a silent retreat. Roughly 3.5 miles long and one mile wide, this tiny island lies off the west of Mull. Iona is sacred ground and full of history. St. Columba landed there in 563 A.D. and set up a monastery on the island, where The Book of Kells was illuminated.

Having the opportunity of entering into a silent retreat on the Isle of Iona for a week was a true gift of grace. Each day we spent time in contemplation and the only words spoken during the week were the holy words of the Fuinn (plural) – the beautiful Fonn of Gaelic sacred chant – not only a song or chant, but a state of mind and the land itself.

This enabled each of us ten attendees to listen to the sounds of nature, go into the beauty of the pink and green marble pebbles on the beach, and hear the conversations of the lambs with their mothers – I heard these sounds while I looked at the rays of the clouds reaching toward heaven.

Each of the songs here represent the various special places on the Island. There are songs inspired by a summer afternoon walk in the meadows, passing by the Fairy Mound and climbing up to the Well of Eternal Youth.

The glow of the light on the water inspired the very romantic In The Glow selection, while the clouds opening up to the heavens created the setting for the 4th octave overtone piece, The Sky’s Invitation.

Green marble and pink granite stones adorn the west side of the island facing out to the Atlantic ocean, providing the backdrop for the beautiful Stones piece and Fingal’s Cave. With the artistry of Steve Kujala (flute), Charles Eller (keyboards) and guitarists Peter Sprague and David Eastoe, many songs have rich harmonies added to the harp.

Another of my compositions, enhanced by the skillful work of David Eastoe on the keyboard, encompasses three different keys of music. Hopefully, this allows people with various resonant tones to experience, for a moment, one of the overtone sounds that might resonate with them and provide an experience of deep space and peace.

To top off the album, a couple of selections have the gorgeous chanting voice of Buvana Gerlach and some soft spoken Gaelic by Fionntulach – teacher of the Ceile De tradition on the Island.” – Christina Tourin

This Inspirations CD is also available along with the companion music book of these songs – here
The music is arranged for harp or piano at two skill-levels: beginner or intermediate. Some arrangements also include parts for flute and cello as well as keyboard or harp.

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

Track Listing:

1. In the Glow (6:21)
2. St Columba’s Vision (4:43)
3. Images: Fairy Mound and Lammy O (5:56)
4. Iona of My Heart (3:16)
5. Well of Eternal Youth (3:39)
6. Stones (6:39)
7. Wild Geese (4:13)
8. White Mare (4:07)
9. Hermit Cell (3:08)
10. White Strand of the Monks (2:13)
11. Wonder (3:25)
12. Blackbird (3:22)
13. Fingal’s Cave and The Sea (4:29)
14. Sky’s Invitation (9:51)
15. Blessings On Iona (9:00) including: Bunessan (Morning Has Broken), Iona Blessings & May The Roads Rise Up To Meet You

All compositions by Christina Tourin with exception of:
– Fingal’s Cave by F Mendelssohn
– BunessanMorning Has Broken – Gaelic words by Eleanor Farjeon
– Child In The Manger(Hymn) – Gaelic by Mrs. M. MacDonald (Mull)
– May The Roads Rise Up To Meet You by Michael Lynch, © by Raven Music Company

Musicians:
David Eastoe – Guitars/Keyboards
Steve Kujala – Flute
Peter Sprague – Guitar
Marcia Bookstein – Cello
Charles Eller – Keyboard
John Dalton – Penny whistle
Fionntulach – Scots Gaelic
Buvana Gerlach – Chant

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

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This album, produced by Peter Sprague, features spectacular orchestration – it’s soft, magical music yet it moves right along.

Compositions and arrangements by Christina Tourin, Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, William Mahan, Peter Sprague and Chris Foster, plus traditional tunes from France, Spain, Mexico and Scandinavia.

Reviews:

“Listening to this album is like listening to a liquid gold sunset! It is magical.”
– R. Christianson, Harp Journal, 1999

“Christina transports you to other dimensions”- D.S.

“Her music is out of this world!” – S. K.

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the title to jump to that part of the sample…)

Track Listing:

1. Magic Miss Melissa (8:10) – Peter Sprague (Satyam Music/BMI)
2. Windows of Paris (4:01) – William Mahan
3. La Calla (Intro: Cridhe) (4:01) – Christina Tourin; Chris Foster
4. La Llorona (4:01) – (Trad. Mexican)
5. Calcutta Midnight</span (4:01) – Peter Sprague; Kamala>
6. Reflections (4:01) – Christina Tourin
7. If You Can Walk, You Can Dance (4:01) – Kamala & Peter Sprague
8. La Guabina (4:01) – Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
9. Si Quedara Sin Ti (4:01) – Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
10. Mailvursin (4:01) – (Trad. Scandinavian)
11. Pirouette (4:01) – Chris Foster
12. Christina Tourin (4:01)

Note for harp players and other musicians:
Three songs La Llorona, Sueños and Pirouette from the HarpBeat album are featured in the Join In Series Vol.1 music-book of World Music, which features various arrangements for harp, piano or melody instrument, along with a special CD of ‘backing track’ versions for you to play along with.

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

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Christina worked at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont for 17 years. She collaborates here on a variety of pieces by a number different composers with Rosemarie von Trapp (recorders) and Maria F. von Trapp (accordion).

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

1. Boarischer – Sepp Haidacher (2:37)
2. Kuckucks-Bayrischer – Tobi Reiser (2:00)
3. Herrnau – Maria F. von Trapp (2:06)
4. Steyrischer Ländler – Maxl Horngacher (2:06)
5. Stubalmwalzer – Franz Raudner (2:30)
6. Bazwoacher Bayrischer – Tobi Reiser (2:00)
7. March – Maria F. Von Trapp (2:00)
8. Der Hallstaberger Ländler – Anni Brunner (3:40)
9. Bauernmenuett (2:12)
10. Hebrew Dance – Maria F. von Trapp (1:50)
11. Hochreis Polka – Georg Seebacher (3:47)
12. Inspiration – Maria F. von Trapp (2:30)
13. Der Erste Schönauer Ländler (2:58)
14. Waitsfield – Maria F. von Trapp (1:48)
15. In Der Klostermühle – Sepp Neumüller (2:36)
16. Alleluia – Maria F. von Trapp (1:20)
17. Bazwoacher Bayrischer – Tobi Reiser (2:10)
18. In Der Kiefer – Hansl Saurer (1:44)
19. Maria’s Polka – Maria F. von Trapp (1:22)
20. Lant It Luck! – Michl Bredl (1:32)
21. Joy And Peace – Maria F. von Trapp (1:10)

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

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Bhajans from the Heavenly Realm by Christina Tourin – Beautiful bhajan music mainly for harp, guitar and voices, though with a range of other instruments and sounds invoking the spiritual healing messages of India.

This album was originally conceived as an accompaniment to AYUDH’s Harp Orchestra – and the proceeds from these download sales go to support the humanitarian projects of Amma and her Embracing the World Organisation.

About AYUDH and HOPE (Harps Of Peace)

AYUDH, the youth group inspired by Amma, brings harp music to people needing uplifting, in nursing homes, orphanages, hospitals, hospices and other places of need, through their HOPE (Harps Of PEace) program.

The HOPE Program trains young people in therapeutic harp playing under the guidance of Christina Tourin, world-renowned music therapist and founder and director of the International Harp Therapy Program.

These trained practitioners then make visits to hospitals and care homes for the elderly to apply the healing benefits of music to mind, body and spirit.

AYUDH HOPE practitioners are currently active in Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

AYUDH are always in need of sponsors and donations to provide the small harps and teaching materials for those who are willing to study, enrich their own lives with creativity and then bring the music to others.

If you would like to see the work we do, and maybe help in this endeavor, please visit AYUDH.eu

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

1. Om Amritesvaryai Namah
2. Love of Creation/The Dove (21 secs)
3. Amba Bhavani (56 secs)
4. Anandamayi (84 secs)
5. Twameva Mata (135 secs)
6. Mother Nature (178 secs)
7. Shri Ram Jai Ram (219 secs)
8. Hope/Unité (272 secs)
9. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (304 secs)
10. Sevati (White Rose) (345 secs)
11. Om Namah Shivaya (373 secs)

Musicians:
Vocals: Neela Bhurtun
Harps: Christina Tourin and Daniela Tauchmann

Arrangements: Peter Sprague

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

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This album also includes five of Christina Tourin’s own compositions, including the beautiful Unite which is dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

This album aims to provide many peaceful moments of joy and relaxation, and consequently can make a perfect gift for those in hospital or a hospice.

Here’s a sound file (that you can also download) with a sample from each track

Track listing: (CLICK on the track to jump to another part of the sample…)

Track Listing:

1. Unité (3:57)
2. Endearment (3:00)
3. The Dawn – Beul an Latha (3.43)
4. In Paradisum – G Fauré (3:32)
5. Echoes of Angels (7:34)
6. Gentle Souls (3:41)
7. For The Wings Of A Dove – F Mendelssohn (1:47)
8. Canon in D – J Pachebel (5:57)
9. Prelude in C – J S Bach (2:24)
10. The Swan – C Saint-Saëns (3:51)
11. Cherubim (2:22)
12. Where’er You Walk – G F Handel (4:31)
13. To A Wild Rose – E MacDowell (2:19)
14. Clair de Lune – C Debussy (3:43)

Musicians:
Harp: Christina Tourin
Flutes: Karen Kevra & Christine Alicot
Angel choir: Karen Chickering, Regina Christianson, Salina Briseno & Cathy DeWitt

Label: Emerald Harp Productions

Audio CD (August 14, 1997)

ASIN: B0000664IN

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