New Age Instrumental Reviews: Trine Opsahl-The Moon Stays Bright

Release Date: January 1, 2022

Label:  ‎Independent

Website

Trine Opsahl is a pioneer of harp therapy in Denmark and works as a therapeutic harp player in two hospices, playing for the dying and their relatives. She is a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner (CTHP), trained and certified within the International Harp Therapy Program (info from the artist website).

To truly appreciate the all-encompassing artistry of Ms. Opsahl I needed to share that information.

The new year will be ushered in with The Moon Stays Bright. The recording encompasses eleven tracks of solo harp music, with three accompanied by her daughter Josefine on cello (tracks 4,8,11). In 2018 I was introduced to Trine's music with Add Colours To My Sunset Sky.

I find the simplistic beauty of the harp to be the most attractive aspect. It draws me in very quickly and what I hear are the voices of angels. Trine's precise and gentle touch allows you, the listener, to relax and let your soul melt into the sounds. When Josefine joins in on the three tracks, the harp takes on a new meaning; the sound becomes multi-hued with all the definitions you would expect from string instruments.

Most listeners would find this music exceptionally accessible and, more importantly, healing. The exciting aspect of this listen is that the healing I speak of happens unknowingly. Without effort or thought in that direction, things happen inside the audio vibrations and various dimensions on offer.

Most interesting is the trilogy of "Moonscapes" I-III. The moon is significant to mother earth. Its gravitational pull affects the oceans' tides, our weather and brings light into the dead of night. It is like the offspring of the sun giving us the natural light we need. When a full moon rises, it affects people in different ways. This reference has a spiritual meaning, and it stays bright from the first to the last track.

Listen to The Moon Stays Bright, and you are bound to find that "Stars Lie Hidden In You." This is a prolific release that you should not miss. The Celtic Harp is a fantastic instrument and becomes magical instantly in the right hands. Trine Opsahl is one of those rare artists that come along once in a lifetime for a listener. Her music will leave an indelible imprint on your soul.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
January 1, 2022

Tracks:
01. The Moon Stays Bright
02. Moonscapes I
03. Do Not Simply Pass By Like A Dream
04. Rose Of The Eternal Spring (Duo)
05. Return Of The Light
06. Moonscapes II
07. Stars Lie Hidden In You
08. Do Not Simply Pass By Like A Dream (Duo)
09. I May Look Distant But I Am So Close
10. Moonscapes III
11. The Moon Stays Bright (Duo)

New Age Review: Trine Opsahl-Add Colours To My Sunset Sky

Trine Opsahl’s latest release is Add Colours To My Sunset Sky. The 13 tracks on this CD encompass some of the most beautiful harp playing you will ever hear. She is an expert at playing the Celtic Harp. The album is primarily instrumental.

I think of two people when it comes to harp music, Harpo Marx and Andreas Vollenweider. I know you may find it funny that I mention the famous comedian Marx Brother but if you ever saw him play the harp you would understand. His face got real serious and he was excellent. Andreas of course broke new ground many years ago for the instrument. I believe it is time to add another name to list.

Thinking about the gates of heaven and angels naturally come to mind when you hear harp music or picture someone playing. I say that at the risk of being cliché. One thing for certain, music that is so delicate and gorgeous will you bring closer to the heavens above. Perhaps you will be able to totally relax or even meditate with the help of this music. It certainly engages your spirit and makes your physical existence seem nonessential. The soul cages we live in can be set free with a little help from our friends like Trine. For people that are cerebral, there is release available as well.

Another addition to this album is an instrument that may remind you of the Indian Tamboura called the monochord. I was actually reminded of the sitar myself and along with Trine’s haunting vocals, the combination proved to be striking. The use of the two different instruments projects different sides of the artist. When she plays the harp, it is inviting and peaceful but then there are other shades of light and emotion that come through when she sings and plays the monochord. The visions that came to my mind were Vikings traveling the seas or dying in battle with the promise of honor in Valhalla. I know that may sound a bit dramatic for a new age recording, however those are the images that came to me, for anyone else I am sure it would be entirely different.

As simplistic and straightforward as Add Colours To My Sunset Sky is at times, it remains a very interesting and entertaining work of art. I think Trine’s mixture of tempos and moods is brilliant and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with on the next album. She will add colors to your sky, day, evening and world, whatever the case may be, this another great example of the power of music

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 3, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Songs from a Mountain I
02. Sunshine on a Stony Path
03. Rosebed Garden
04. In a Grain of Sand
05. Eternity in a Song
06. Lightly Dance into the Morning
07. Songs from a Mountain II
08. Rose of the Eternal Spring
09. Add Colours to My Sunset Sky
10. Diving into an Ocean of Love
11. Today Will Be Forever
12. Leaving on a Thursday Morning
13. Graceful Like a River