Search - Marcel Grandjany, Alphonse Hasselmans, John [Vocals] Parry :: Harp Showpieces

True Showpieces by a Master

J. Kara Russell | Hollywood - the cinderblock Industrial cubicle | 10/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had this CD on my wish list for awhile and finally got it. This CD is exactly what it says, really stellar SHOWPIECES. For the most part these pieces are of extreme difficulty, and Ms. Lohman's playing is absolutely intimidating - she plays at a level that most performing harpists can only dream of.



Every fine harpist has something aside from technique that sets them apart, and from this CD I would say that for Ms. Lohman is tremendous, amazing speed with accuracy. If you play the harp, some sections of these pieces are just breathtaking in their complexity, speed and precision! That is not to say all of these are fast. The Tournier "Images" are certainly slower and showy due to their "oriental" unusual quality of tone, structure and techniques. These pieces are up my particular alley and I am now inspired to get the music.



Many of these pieces are not recorded very frequently, partially due to their difficulty, but also due to individual taste and current trends. The Renie "Danse of the Lutins" would be out of reach for many harpists, and while it is a technical showpiece, perhaps more esoteric in appeal than popular. The pieces here that are more frequently recorded definitely demonstrate Lohman's indidual taste and approach. She begins LA SOURCE in a way that breathes a completely different rhythm into it, as if the water begins in a drip from a leaf, then to the grass, then finally into the flow of the water.



In the fairly omnipresent Dussek sonata, once again her special mark here is speed. This is the fastest recording I've heard of this... not sure whether I like it quite this fast, but it is, once again, a particular mark of agility, precision, and technique.



This CD is so perfectly titled and placed. It is a marvelous demostration of the MOST the harp can do, at it's most complex. Just as Robles's "World of the Harp" is a good demonstration of the popular breadth of the harp and favorite repertoire, I would call this a companion to that CD in demonstrating the more esoteric and complex extremes of the harp and harp repertoire. Robles and Lohman are also both quite distinctive and strong "voices." (I would then recommend constrasting these with Antonelli's "Italian Harp Masterpieces" or Zaniboni's "Dussek" CD, they have a lightness that I prefer, to contrast with these two women who are so strong.)



These (Lohman and Robles) to me are not neccessarily CDs I will reach for time and again, not "soothing harp music" for the background of an event; but really essential for those interesting in "knowing" the harp. (Composers for harp... get both these CDs!) Excellent stuff!"

Must have for harpists and anyone who enjoys harp music

Robert K. Stone | Philadelphia, PA | 04/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who want to hear some of the most beautiful harp music written and performed by a harp virtuoso, Judy Loman, pick up this CD! My own favorites include: Rhapsodie by Marcel Grandjany, La Source by Alphonse Hasselmans, Introduction, Cadenza & Rondo by Elias Parish Alvars, and the Minstrel's Adieu to his Native Land by John Thomas. The compositions are written by famous harpists from the late 1700's to the present.



The recording quality is excellent and it's difficult to find another harp CD with all these compositions on one recording. If you're like me, you'll find yourself listening to this CD over and over, enchanted by it's ethereal beauty and flawless performance. Very reasonably priced, as well."