The flute and harp duo officially originated with Mozart's Concerto, written for Adrien-Louis de Bounières, Duke of Guines, an amateur flutist, and his daughter, a harpist.
Composer Biography
Luigi Gianella, the composer, was active in major musical institutions in both Italy and France, with his compositions performed at La Fenice in Venice, La Scala in Milan, and the Opéra in Paris.
Instruments
The pedal harp, though originating in Germany, became highly fashionable in Parisian drawing-rooms from the mid-18th century, leading to a new original repertoire for the instrument.
Performer Biography
Anna Pasetti, the harpist on this recording, has published around 250 works and directs the 'Magadis' series for Ut Orpheus Edizioni since 1996.
Composition History
These duos are considered among the earliest original compositions for flute and harp, following Mozart's famous Concerto KV299 and Johann Baptist Krumpholtz's Sonatas Op. 8.
Composition History
The dedicatee of Gianella's Duos Op. 2, Madame Amélie de Boufflers, was guillotined in 1794, suggesting the pieces were composed and published around 1790.
Instruments
During the same period, the transverse flute underwent significant improvements in sound and construction, including the mechanization of the instrument with keys, which revolutionized its capabilities.
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