"Through the Prism of The Harpstrung Heart ..."
a biographical sketch of Celtic harpist Kim Robertson
im Robertson's name has become synonymous
with the gentle but powerfully evocative Celtic harp ... an instrument
which for a thousand years held within its strings and wood the spiritual
heartbeat and poetic breath of the Celtic race. Her remarkable ability to
reach into its strings and pull from it these hidden treasures has made
her one of the most popular harpists performing today.
Combining the authentic traditions of the Celtic harp with a dynamic flair for world rhythms and on-the-edge improvisation, Kim Robertson has stretched the boundaries of the harp for a new generation of performers and music lovers. This daring re-definition of harp music is at its most vibrant in her concert appearances.
Remarking on her greatest love, live performance, she says ...
"That's
where the magic is ... between the audience and the performer ... that's
when I truly express myself. Without that experience I don't think I could
make meaningful recordings. Not only can I see how people are responding,
but I take more chances playing live."
Her repertoire includes ageless Celtic melodies, classical, Renaissance and medieval works, and original compositions which, since the release of her 1991 album Angels in Disguise, also feature her inspirational lyrics and vocals.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, she began studying piano at age eight, continuing into college as a piano major. It was in her senior year of high school that Kim first began to learn the pedal or orchestral harp.
"I was never a very
good pedal harp student since I was not interested in a symphonic career.
I found it fascinating but only as a sideline."
Her introduction to the art of improvisation by a jazz pianist enlarged her musical vision, freeing her from dependence on written music. This freedom influenced both her piano and classical harp training, building trust in her own creative instincts and allowing many future innovations in her personal style.
In the mid-70's, Kim's discovery of the Celtic harp grew quickly into a profound love for the instrument and set her upon the original path of exploration for which she is now widely known. In 1979, she moved to the California coast where she was approached by a New Age recording label.
The first session turned into her premiere recording Wind Shadows, a rich blend of old Irish melodies and original compositions. The success of Wind Shadows projected her onto the vanguard of the new acoustic music scene.
"Wind Shadows
has a special place in my heart. I have to admit like most artists I look
back on my earlier works and want to do them over again with better musicianship.
But besides having some of the most beautiful melodies I know, Wind Shadows
is the joyful release of years of practice."
Kim Robertson's "affair of the harp" has blossomed into a highly visible performing, recording and teaching career. Her work now encompasses 22 album projects including the recently released Wood, Fire and Gold on Dargason Music, and the seasonal Star of Wonder, produced by Peter Buffett for Hollywood Records. She has published eleven volumes of harp arrangements, two instructional videos and pursues an international itinerary of concerts, workshops and retreats.Through the prism of the Celtic harp, one of the world's oldest and most loved instruments, Kim Robertson has found and focused her artistic vision to create an intimate yet universal chamber music of the heart.
copyright © 1997 Adam Victor Christensen
Wood, Fire & Gold is available from ...a harper's garden
original graphics & page design © 1997 Adam Victor Christensen
photo ©1997 Irene Young