Nineteenth- And Twentieth-Century Harpists : A Bio-Critical Sourcebook

Profiles players and teachers of the concert harp since the double-action pedal mechanism made possible a fully chromatic instrument in 1810 and composers gradually began recognizing its potential in the orchestra. The articles discuss not only biographical facts, career path, and contribution to the music or instrument or knowledge about them, but also social and historical contexts, personalities, opinions, and problems. Includes specific bibliographies and discographies. Does not consider folk harpers. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

The harp is both the oldest and the newest of instruments. It has existed in some form in nearly all cultures since man has made music. The contemporary concert instrument has been known since the mid-19th century. This work is a compendium of the biographies of many notable harpists of the modern era. The biographies make clear how these performers shaped the contrasts in style and technique of harp playing that have developed over the past 150 years, as cultural, social, and psychological forces influenced individual performance. In addition to the biographical information, the A-Z entries include critical reviews, discographies, and selected bibliographies where possible. New material from the former Soviet states is included.