Yolanda Kondonassis, renowned harpist, presents a captivating collection of classical pieces meticulously arranged for solo harp in "Music for a Perfect Day: Wedding Music for Harp." Released in 2002 under the Telarc label, this album is a celebration of timeless melodies and elegant compositions, perfect for weddings or any special occasion.
Spanning a little over an hour, the album features a diverse range of works from composers such as Bach, Debussy, Vivaldi, and Mendelssohn. Kondonassis' arrangements breathe new life into these classics, showcasing the harp's versatility and expressive power. From the soothing "Clair de Lune" to the lively "Spring" from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," each track is a testament to Kondonassis' virtuosity and musical sensitivity.
The album opens with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," a beloved choral piece transformed into a serene harp solo. It continues with a mix of well-known and lesser-known works, including Debussy's "Rêverie," the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Maria," and the intricate "Passacaille" from Handel's Suite No. 7. Kondonassis' interpretations are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, making this album a delightful journey through the world of classical music.
Whether you're planning a wedding or simply looking to enjoy some beautiful harp music, "Music for a Perfect Day" is a wonderful choice. Yolanda Kondonassis' artistry shines through in every note, making this album a true gem in the world of chamber music.
Cantata, BWV 147: X. Choral "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (Arr. Y. Kondonassis)Johann Sebastian Bach, Yolanda Kondonassis
Rêverie, L. 68 (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
3 Gymnopédies: No. 1 in D Major (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Erik Satie, Yolanda Kondonassis
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
5 Preludes for Harp Alone: No. 2, QuietudeCarlos Salzedo, Yolanda Kondonassis
Petite suite, L. 65: I. En bateau (On the Boat) [Transcr. Y. Kondonassis]Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
Canon & Gigue in D Major, P. 37: I. Canon (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Johann Pachelbel, Yolanda Kondonassis
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003: III. Andante (Arr. Y. Kondonassis)Johann Sebastian Bach, Yolanda Kondonassis
Cantata, BWV 156: I. Sinfonia (Arioso) [Transcr. Y. Kondonassis]Johann Sebastian Bach, Yolanda Kondonassis
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": II. Largo (Arr. Y. Kondonassis & R. Werthen)Antonio Vivaldi, Yolanda Kondonassis, Rudolf Werthen, I Fiamminghi (The Orchestra of Flanders)
Ave Maria, CG 89a (After J.S. Bach) [Arr. Y. Kondonassis]Charles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Yolanda Kondonassis
Songs Without Words, Book 6, Op. 67: 1. Meditation, MWV U 180 (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Felix Mendelssohn, Yolanda Kondonassis
3 Mélodies, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. Y. Kondonassis)Gabriel Fauré, Yolanda Kondonassis
2 Arabesques, L. 66: No. 1, Andante con moto (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": I. Allegro (Arr. Y. Kondonassis & R. Werthen)Antonio Vivaldi, Yolanda Kondonassis, Rudolf Werthen, I Fiamminghi (The Orchestra of Flanders)
Fantasia No. 1 in D Major, TWV 33:1 (Excerpt) [Arr. Y. Kondonassis]Georg Philipp Telemann, Yolanda Kondonassis
Lute Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: V. Bourrée (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Johann Sebastian Bach, Yolanda Kondonassis
Sonata in B Minor, L. 449: Sonata in B Minor, L. 449 (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Domenico Scarlatti, Yolanda Kondonassis
Suite No. 7 in G Minor, HWV 432: VI. Passacaille (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)George Frideric Handel, Yolanda Kondonassis
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn": III. Allegro (Arr. Y. Kondonassis & R. Werthen)Antonio Vivaldi, Yolanda Kondonassis, Rudolf Werthen, I Fiamminghi (The Orchestra of Flanders)