Carlos Salzedo, a composer featured on this album, introduced new notation and even designed a new instrument, the Salzedo Harp, to indicate specific techniques and effects.
Composer Biography
Carlos Salzedo, a pupil of Alphonse Hasselmans, is considered one of the greatest harpists and most significant composers for the harp of the 20th century.
Interpretation
Xavier de Maistre carefully selected well-known Christmas tunes and lesser-known melodies reflecting different Christmas traditions for this album.
Cultural Impact
In Greek mythology, the figure of Orpheus, who played the lyre (a type of harp), could make animals coexist peacefully, change rivers' courses, and even persuade Hades.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Xavier de Maistre's goal for this solo harp album was to make every aspect of the chosen pieces, from melodic lines to harmonic and rhythmic textures, clearly audible.
Performer Biography
Xavier de Maistre, the harpist on this album, states that the harp and Christmas are a perfect fit due to the instrument's warm and elegant sound.
Instruments
The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments, with depictions found in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings dating back to 2400 BC.
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Romantic Harp (The)
Divertissements
Tournier: Sonatine, Op. 30
Liszt: 3 Liebesträume, S. 541 (Arr. for Harp by Nora von Marschall)
