Giovanni Caramiello (1838-1938), the composer featured on this album, was a concert performer, teacher, and composer who taught harp at the Conservatory of Naples until 1915.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Caramiello also composed pieces inspired by popular songs, such as his 'Rimembranza di Napoli' which features themes from 'Fenesta ca lucive' and 'Santa Lucia'.
Historical Context
An Arab ambassador visiting Spain around 1690 noted that Christians widely used the harp, teaching it to their families, and it was rare to find a home where everyone couldn't play it.
Historical Context
The harp was highly popular in Naples during the 16th century Spanish rule, a popularity that did not extend to other Italian regions under Spanish control like Milan.
Cultural Impact
The use of the harp in religious contexts in Spain led to its widespread adoption in Spanish overseas territories, including Central and South America and the Philippines, through Jesuit missionaries.
Compositional Technique
Giovanni Caramiello's compositions include didactic transcriptions of harpsichord pieces, works inspired by composers like Gluck and Beethoven, and fantasias based on themes from popular operas by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Verdi.
Performer Biography
Letizia Belmondo, one of the performers, won First Prize at the 14th International Harp Contest in Israel in 2001 and has performed with the Mozart Orchestra and the Lucerne Festival Orchestra.
You might also enjoy...
Harp Trio: Romantic Pieces & Transcriptions
Le Cor Romantique Français
Cifras imaginarias: Música para tañer a dos vihuelas
