This album is historically the first in the Czech Republic to be played on an original 18th-century single-action harp.
Composition History
Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz's Sonatas Op. 13 were written in 1787 during a happy period in his life, while his Sonata Op. 17 was dedicated to Countess De Bourbon, a great admirer and concert organizer.
Composer Biography
Jan Ladislav Dussek, a famous Czech pianist and composer, had close ties to the harp, living with Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz's wife, Anne-Marie, and later with Italian harpist Sophia Corri.
Historical Context
The single-action harp, featured on this album, was the first harp equipped with pedals and was popular in high society, including with Marie Antoinette, in the second half of the 18th century.
Performer Biography
Barbora Plachá, the harpist on this album, is a leading Czech soloist who has performed for King Albert II of Belgium and King Harald V of Norway, and founded the Prague Harp Festival.
Composer Biography
Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz, a Czech harpist, composer, and inventor, began his career with Joseph Haydn's orchestra at the Esterházy court before achieving fame in Paris.
Instruments
This album features Czech music performed on a unique 18th-century single-action harp, a Louis XVI model from 1779 built by Renault & Chatelain, which was restored in 2019.
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