Although the harp as it is played today has little resemblance to the harp of ancient Gaelic and Celtic societies, strains of the older traditions still exist. It is from these strains that Carol Thompson draws the music heard on this recording, both in terms of the tunes selected and her execution of them. Her settings are primarily melodic, not harmonic: her ornaments are played as elements of melodic variation derived from the tune, not appended as an afterthought, or drawn from an underlying harmonic structure. She may play her chords with a downward roll, as opposed to the classical upward arpeggio. This last element is an unmistakable signature that will be recognized instantly by those familiar with traditional Irish or Scottish harping. In bringing these elements together, Carol seeks to create a sound that is as fresh today as it was 200 years ago, maintaining the integrity of traditional Celtic music, while drawing upon the techniques and disciplines of the classical pedal harpist.