Search - Sarah Hill - Harp :: Classical Harp

Classical Harp Great classical tunes played by that most seductive of instruments, the beautiful concert harp. A programme designed to uplift and inspire, as the sonorous tones of this superb instrument sound out. Recorded in a generous acoustic, this album is very atmospheric, full of rich sounds and virtuoso playing. The programme is a careful blend of famous tunes and original music for the harp which demonstrate its full potential. From Massenet's timeless meditation to Pachelbel's 'Canon', this programme brings together a varied selection of music, unified by being played on a single instrument, the concert harp played by Sarah Hill. Many of the tunes are famous, such as Boccherini's 'Minuet in A', which featured in the classic British film 'The Ladykillers', but we have also included some original music for the harp, most of which dates from the nineteenth century, when the instrument developed technically from the small, Renaissance or Baroque harp into a substantial and sophisticated musical instrument which took its place as a significant solo instrument for the drawing room or concert hall. It was loved by royalty and people alike. John Thomas was harpist to Queen Victoria and he arranged many Welsh folk songs for the harp, including the beautiful version of 'Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn' ('Watching the wheat'), which can be heard in this album. Alphonse Hasselmans was one of the greatest composers for the harp, and it is suprising, therefore, that so little of his music has been recorded. The three pieces here were published as a set. Erik Satie's music is more well-known, and the 'Gnossiennes' are some of his finest, if slightly eccentric pieces. Originally written for piano, they transcribe very well to the harp. The album also includes as selection of favourite Baroque music, from Clarke's 'Chaconne' to Bach's 'Jesu, joy of man's desiring'. Handel's magnificent 'Chaconne' concludes the album in fine style, the variety of musical textures and melodies providing plenty of opportunity to the harpist Sarah Hill to demonstrate both the range of the instrument and her own remarkable talent.