When December approaches, and the air fills with the scent of cinnamon, music becomes an essential part of preparing for the holidays.

Cecily Beer & the Chamber Orchestra of London remind us why Christmas is a time for slowing down, reflecting, and embracing art. Her new EP, Carols of the Harp, is a quiet, almost intimate gift wrapped in elegance and tenderness that lingers long after the final note fades.

photo by A P Wilding Photography

I played the EP late one evening. The room was dimly lit, and as the harp began to play, I didn’t want to do anything, not even think. These melodies are like a spontaneous reminder of things impossible to describe but easy to sense. As a child, it might have been the joy of the first snowfall, the anticipation of gifts, or the moment when you watch a candle and forget everything else. Now, it’s something different — a quiet gratitude for the chance to feel.

Cecily Beer, backed by The Chamber Orchestra of London, brings a touch of magic to these carols. The credit belongs just as much to Thomas Hewitt Jones, who wasn’t only the producer but the composer and arranger—the true mastermind behind the record. His vision ties everything together, giving these pieces their heart and soul. The arrangements exude lightness without ever feeling shallow. Cecily Beer’s harp playing resembles delicate lacework—fragile enough to tear at the slightest touch yet holding a quiet strength within its fragility.

The three tracks on the album are reimaginings of Christmas melodies we all know. They sound like recollections of winter’s best moments: frosty air on your cheeks, the warmth of a fire, the glow of fairy lights in the dark. Cecily Beer’s harp becomes the central voice in these scenes, her performance imbued with emotion while retaining clarity and precision.

Carols of the Harp takes traditional tunes familiar from childhood and reinterprets them with refined elegance. The masterful recording allows every instrument to shine, maintaining a delicate balance between the richness of the orchestra and the intimate closeness of the harp.

The opening track, Sussex Carol, sets the tone with its gentle interplay of instruments. The atmosphere of enchantment, spirituality, and elevation takes on a tangible quality here. The instruments weave around one another in a soft dance, inviting the listener to immerse themselves in the grandeur and elegance of the sound.

Next, in Silent Night, the warmth of its slow tempo captivates, evoking a sense of carefree timelessness. The lightness of the strings, the tenderness of the harp, and the delicate piano notes highlight the ethereal quality of the familiar melody. I particularly appreciate how Silent Night transforms its sense of wonder into something almost palpable. That subtle touch of magic brings an extraordinary charm, exactly what one hopes for in Christmas music.

Finally, Bell Carol allows you to fully lose yourself in its soothing sound, completely capturing your attention. This composition, filled with joy and enchantment, is the perfect addition to your Christmas preparations and an essential track for your holiday playlist. The interplay between the orchestra and Cecily Beer is unique, with their full dedication to the melody resonating on a deeply emotional level. Nostalgia and joy, wonder and inspiration merge seamlessly in the soft, captivating soundscape.

photo by A P Wilding Photography

To be honest, the harp, for me, is an instrument almost impossible to tie to anything earthly. Each note feels like the movement of water—unseen yet deeply felt. When I hear the harp, it evokes a sense that its sounds come from somewhere else, a place between worlds where the boundaries between reality and the divine blur.

Cecily Beer brings the harp closer, making it feel truly intimate. Her playing is so natural that you stop analyzing or questioning it. Everything sounds exactly as it should. Every note is part of a greater whole, with nothing extraneous. The music flows freely while maintaining structure and purpose.

What’s remarkable is how Carols of the Harp manages to sound contemporary despite its classical approach. This is a testament both to Cecily Beer’s artistry and to the producer, who seamlessly blends tradition with freshness. It’s an album you can enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or during a festive family dinner. It brings a sense of peace and hope to the home—something we all need from time to time.

Carols of the Harp doesn’t try to be more than it is, and that is precisely its strength. It’s a gentle reminder that Christmas is a celebration of quiet, beautiful moments and, of course, family. If you give yourself the chance to pause and truly listen, this album will become an essential part of your holiday season.

I wholeheartedly recommend Cecily Beer’s Carols of the Harp—it’s a perfect companion to create that unmistakable Christmas atmosphere and bring a touch of festive magic. Flawless and utterly enchanting!

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub