John Thomas: Complete Duos for Harp and Piano, Volume Two
6/2/2023, 19 Tracks, 1:16:38
Featuring
Praxedis Hug-Rütti
Praxedis Geneviève Hug
Duo Praxedis
John Thomas
Frédéric Chopin
Did you know?
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Composer Biography
John Thomas (1826-1913), the composer and harpist featured on this album, was born on St. David's Day, the National Day of Wales, and considered this significant throughout his life.
Historical Context
The 'Rákóczi-induló' is a celebrated Hungarian march that functioned as a secret national anthem and became widely known through Franz Liszt's arrangements and Hector Berlioz's orchestral adaptation.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Thomas, known as 'Pencerdd Gwalia' or 'Chief of Welsh Musicians', passionately championed Welsh music throughout his life, organizing annual Concerts of Welsh Music in London.
Historical Context
The 'March of the Men of Harlech' is commonly thought to commemorate the longest siege in British history, that of Harlech Castle, which was held for seven years during the War of the Roses.
Compositional Technique
John Thomas's arrangements for harp and piano treat both instruments as complementary parts of equal importance, creating a genuine chamber-musical dialogue.
Composer Biography
John Thomas was a harp virtuoso, adjudicator, pedagogue at London's Royal Academy of Music, first harpist to the Royal Italian Opera, and harpist-in-ordinary to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
