Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz, a harpist and composer, worked with Haydn at Esterhazy's court from 1773 to 1776, likely playing continuo and receiving advice on his compositions.
Instruments
The album features two historical harps: a harpe à crochet from around 1790 and a harpe à fourchettes from around 1825, both restored.
Composer Biography
According to early biographies, Joseph Haydn's father learned to play the harp and would accompany his wife's singing on feast days.
Historical Context
The first prototype of the pedal harp was built in 1720 by Bavarian-born maker Georg Hochbrucker, indicating harps were popular in German-speaking countries before the French harp school.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn's Welsh songs, commissioned by publisher George Thomson, aimed to make traditional folk tunes suitable for a modern audience by adding harmonic elaboration and instrumental parts.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Lodi, Italy, in January and February 2019, with Chiara Granata and Yu Yashima as producers.
Compositional Technique
Harpists like Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz and Nicolas-Charles Bochsa used Haydn's themes as an opportunity for experimental harp writing, incorporating techniques like harmonics and five-part chords.
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