Release Date: October 10, 2026
A Lasting Impression: The Enduring Power of Aphelion
April Stace is a harpist, composer, writer, Episcopal priest, and professor whose work explores the places where music, spirituality, loss, and transformation meet. A lifelong musician, she began playing the harp at age seven and holds a degree in harp performance and composition from the University of Maryland.
The artist wrote and performed all songs on the recording titled Aphelion. The title refers to the point in a celestial body's orbit, such as a planet, farthest from the Sun. The harp has always given me a heavenly, celestial atmosphere to enjoy, and I rediscovered that through these tracks.
“Intuition” highlights the harp's delicate sounds. The rhythm is in place, and an undeniable flow carries through the track. Its tempo stays consistent and strong, making for an energetic opener.
“Holding onto Winter” has a more reflective pace and presence as April plucks the strings. Running over a minute longer, it hints at how one instrument can create layers and complexity without accompaniment. It has a catchy, refreshing melody.
“Train Song” creates a succinct picture in your mind's eye. The vision is a train moving down the tracks. The tempo is upbeat and constantly moving. Two things happen (and on every track): a rhythm underneath in the lower register, then the clean, crisp lead that punctuates the air. This illustrates that.
“Writing Again” reaches back to the more reflective inward layers that the harp creates. Writing indicates focus of thought; hence, the tempo puts that into proper perspective. Time to pause, think, then move into thoughts that develop and take on a life of their own.
“Little Steps” felt like raindrops falling around me. The harp's sound is so beautiful that it easily creates soundscapes that encourage related thoughts, like the forces of nature. The rhythm and flow are superb here—little steps figuratively and large ones musically.
“Rices Hill” has a light, airy jazz feel. It's energetic and colorful, with an amazing rhythmic sensibility. It reminded me of how a piano sounds with both hands doing something entirely different—orchestral beauty with a touch of jazz.
“Garden” is one of the tracks over four minutes long. Referring to a garden, organically or symbolically, brings different images to the forefront. As you have experienced, each track is quite different, and this follows that consistency. Again, I hear a jazz influence in the rhythm and the transitioning leads.
“Ojito” is the longest track, just short of five minutes. Ojito Wilderness is a designated Wilderness Area in Sandoval County, New Mexico. I can only assume that is what the track is referring to. It is very tempered in pace, with a consistent, ticking-clock rhythm that feels meditative. A consistent thread runs through this composition, keeping the tempo and purpose on track.
“Darkness A Gift” keeps the flow low-key, following the previous track's mellow tones and rhythms. At times, you forget you are listening to a harp, as it can sound like the higher notes of an acoustic guitar. But make no mistake that this instrument stands alone in beauty and elegant resonance. The darker shades, the shadows, are outside the light; however, the harp can bring light where there never was.
“Souvenir” offers bright, poignant passages where the harp crescendos in volume and sharpness. While the relaxing tempo is strong, those moments let you appreciate the instrument's flexibility.
“Wild Patience” fits the track title. The playing is rapid at times, then the tempo drops and it comes into full circle. I liked the energy in this one.
“Rainbow” is another track just under five minutes. It focuses on the wonder of nature's elements merging into a pattern of colors. Through the harp looking glass, the magic of seeing a rainbow comes to life in the music. Moments of beauty unfold like a flower waking up and spreading its petals in the morning sun.
“Divertissement” isn't a word I am familiar with, but I found it means a short performance, typically a ballet, presented as an interlude in an opera, play, or other entertainment. So here we have the harp dancing across the stage in your mind, as so much is happening in the music. I find similarities to how other instruments are played and sound, and in this composition, I could hear the piano while still hearing the harp’s inflection points. In a word, the instrument is creating an orchestra of sounds all its own, which I find amazing. This is the most complex track so far.
“Aphelion / Trisagion” is the grand finale, closing at seven minutes and forty seconds. At the start, it feels like the opening of a book, with the story just beginning. Like a soundtrack developing one note at a time. It’s a gorgeous sound with the underlying rhythm holding strong as the lead notes weave a tapestry of sound and color. I find it all so fascinating. The title references a celestial body and a hymn meaning “Thrice Holy.”
Aphelion is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the harp's expressive range and power across fourteen captivating tracks. The album is a testament to April Stace’s artistry and vision, demonstrating her ability to evoke emotion, paint vivid soundscapes, and push the boundaries of what a single instrument can convey. From the first note to the last, her brilliance as a composer and performer leaves a lasting impression.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
October 9, 2026