Paul Hindemith finished his Harp Sonata in 1939, just weeks after World War II began and shortly before emigrating to the United States due to conflict with the Nazi regime.
Composer Biography
Paul Hindemith, a versatile composer of classical modernism, mastered all orchestral instruments except the harp, yet his Harp Sonata is a pioneering example of contemporary harp music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, a main representative of the 'sensitive style,' used melody as a leading element and emphasized emotionality through increased suspensions, chromaticism, and expressive intervals.
Historical Context
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's Harp Sonata in G major was composed in 1762 during the Seven Years' War, a time when court musicians were paid with rapidly devaluing paper money, exacerbating Bach's financial difficulties.
Composer Biography
Louis Spohr, a German Romantic composer, is largely forgotten today despite his significant works in almost every musical genre and his early fame as a violin virtuoso comparable to Niccolò Paganini.
Album & Artwork
The album title 'Strings & Webs' refers to Paul Patterson's work 'Spider's Web' and also serves as a central theme, guiding listeners through music history from the 18th to the 20th century.
Composition History
The prominent role of the harp in Louis Spohr's works is due to his marriage to the brilliant harpist Dorette Scheidler in 1806.
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Legends
Aranjuez
Le jardin féerique. Music for Two Harps
Pictures of the Floating World
Tchaikovsky: The Seasons
Pratté: Harp Works
Harp Recital
Musings
Ginastera: Concerto for harp and orchestra - Bach, Scarlatti, Faure & Spohr: Solo harp works
