Ellen Sejersted Bødtker, the brilliant Norwegian harpist, presents a captivating collection of French music in her album "French Music for Harp & Strings," released in 2001 under the Naxos label. This 55-minute journey through classical and modern French compositions showcases Bødtker's exceptional skill and versatility, accompanied by strings that add depth and richness to the harp's delicate tones.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the lively "Introduction et allegro" by Camille Saint-Saëns to the serene "Gymnopédie No. 1" by Erik Satie, and the enchanting "Pavane pour une infante défunte" by Maurice Ravel. Bødtker's arrangements for harp and strings bring a fresh perspective to these well-loved works, while her interpretations of Debussy's "Danse sacrée et danse profane" and Ravel's "La plus que lente" are particularly noteworthy.
Bødtker's playing is marked by a remarkable technical prowess and a deep sensitivity to the music's emotional nuances. Her ability to convey the full range of human experience, from joy and exuberance to melancholy and introspection, makes this album a truly memorable listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "French Music for Harp & Strings" is sure to delight and inspire.
(C) 2001 Naxos(P) 2001 Naxos
Tracks
Introduction et allegro, M. 46Maurice Ravel, Per Flemstrom, Fredrik Fors, Ellen Bødtker, Sjur Bjaerke, Vertavo String Quartet
Gymnopedie No. 1 (Arr. for Harp)Erik Satie, Ellen Bødtker
Rêverie, L. 68 (Arr. for Harp & Violin)Claude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker, Berit Cardas
6 Pieces for Harp Solo: No. 2, ScherzettoJacques Ibert, Ellen Bødtker
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 (Arr. for Harp & Cello)Maurice Ravel, Ellen Bødtker, Bjorg Vaernes
2 Arabesques: No. 1, Andantino con moto (Arr. for Harp)Claude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker
La plus que lente, L. 121 (Arr. for Harp & Violin)Claude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker, Berit Cardas
Impromptu-caprice, Op. 9Gabriel Pierné, Ellen Bødtker
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin (Arr. for Harp)Claude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker
Danse sacrée et danse profane, L. 103 (Version for Harp & Solo Strings): I. Danse sacreeClaude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker, Sjur Bjaerke, Vertavo String Quartet
Danse sacrée et danse profane, L. 103 (Version for Harp & Solo Strings): II. Danse profaneClaude Debussy, Ellen Bødtker, Sjur Bjaerke, Vertavo String Quartet
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