Spohr's compositions for harp were inspired by the brilliant playing of Dorette Scheidler, a Gotha court musician's daughter who later became his wife.
Compositional Technique
Spohr experimented with writing violin parts in sharp keys and harp parts in flat keys, tuning the harp a semitone lower to reduce string tension and enhance resonance.
Composer Biography
Louis Spohr, a German violinist and composer, was appointed Konzertmeister at the ducal court in Gotha in 1805 at the age of 21.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Louis Spohr's aesthetic prioritized musical substance over mere virtuosity, despite the considerable technical demands of his music.
Interpretation
The performers on this recording worked with Professor Clive Brown, a Spohr scholar, to recreate Spohr's concept of 'beautiful performance' ('schöner Vortrag').
Instruments
Louis Spohr's compositions are among the last important and most technically demanding works specifically written for the single-action pedal harp.
Instruments
The single-action pedal harp used on this recording is an original Naderman harp from 1815, similar to one owned by Dorette Spohr.
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