Maeve Gilchrist has released The Ostinato Project, her new recording that she describes as “an exploration and celebration of the harp with a focus on utilizing both hands as independent voices.” The album features eight tracks of mostly original works, along with the Henry Mancini standard “Moon River.” “This is a project I’ve been thinking about for a good while now,” says Gilchrist. “I got into the idea of using ostinato-based patterns as a practice technique a few years back. I was focusing on trying to develop my technique, hand independence, and rhythm by setting up a pattern or motif in one hand and playing something completely different with the other hand. I started to enjoy the creative process of this, and it developed into more concrete compositions with improvised sections over various ostinato patterns. It’s full of texture and color, a celebration and exploration of my instrument!
Originally from Edinburgh, Maeve Gilchrist is now based in Boston, where she recently joined the faculty at the Berklee College of Music. To read more about her, visitmaevegilchristmusic.com. To hear and purchase The Ostinato Project, visit maevegilchristmusic.bandcamp.com.
