The Eissler sisters, Marianne (violinist) and Clara (harpist), were celebrated performers across Europe during the Victorian age, a time of great wealth, public life, and widespread news dissemination.
Critical Reception
Saint-Saëns' Fantaisie Op 124 for violin and harp, dedicated to the Eissler sisters, received a grumpy review from The Times at its premiere, criticizing its "singular lack of unity of style."
Notable Performances
The Eissler sisters performed August Wilhelmj's transcription of Wagner's 'Preislied' for Queen Victoria as an encore at Cimiez, Nice, and it was a substantial part of their programmes.
Album & Artwork
This album is a "Hommage aux Demoiselles Eissler" (Homage to the Eissler Young Ladies), featuring chamber music from the repertoire of Marianne and Clara Eissler, musicians to the Court of Saxe-Coburg Gotha.
Composition History
Louis Spohr's Sonata in C minor for violin and harp was an early work from 1805, written as a form of courtship for his future wife, Dorette Scheidler, a brilliant harpist.
Recording & Production
The recording was made at St Martin's Church, East Woodhay, over several days in August and September 2016, with Adrian Hunter handling recording, production, and engineering.
Composer Biography
The Eissler sisters were appointed Kammervirtuosinnen (chamber virtuosos) to the Court of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1891 and performed for Queen Victoria at various royal residences.
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