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Ursula Burns’ The Secret Melodies of Trees is an enchanting, harp-driven album that taps into the elemental beauty of music. Released on October 11, 2024, this album is Burns’ first entirely instrumental project, brought to life with the skillful production of Donal O’Connor and featuring subtle, evocative whistles by John McSherry.
Ursula Burns brings 30 years of exploring musical expression to this album, marking her first all-harp record. Each track radiates a commitment to storytelling, built on both Celtic tradition and Paraguayan influences that she soaked up while attending the Paraguayan Harp Festival in 2023. El Jardin de Eliza Lynch, for instance, is a moving tribute to her time in Asunción, with Burns layering whistles and harp into a serenade that reflects the beauty and elegance of Paraguay’s natural world.
“O’Neill and the Apple Tree” paints a poignant memory of her family’s roots, evoking her grandfather’s fiddle in a soft, melancholy sweep that captures the soul of Ireland’s musical past. Burns’ restraint on “Where the Sycamore Used to Be,” though challenging for her, creates an emotional resonance through simplicity, leaving a lasting impression as her final, restrained notes linger. She holds back from embellishment, allowing the melody to tell its own story—a disciplined approach that pays off beautifully in this homage to her Belfast roots.
The album is not only Burns’ tribute to nature but also her statement on environmental preservation, subtly woven throughout her tracks. With delicate touches, like the tranquil introduction in “A Wish on the Road to Coleraine”, Burns evokes tunes that feel familiar and mystical.
Burns’ careful craftsmanship and raw, emotive playing make “The Secret Melodies of Trees” a rich journey through both history and natural beauty. Each piece feels like a glimpse into a world that only the harp can reveal.
