Song in the Night

Album Description

"Song in the Night" is a captivating collection of harp music performed by the renowned Alice Giles, showcasing the brilliance of Carlos Salzedo's arrangements and compositions. Recorded in 1999 at the acoustically pristine St Scholastica's Chapel in Glebe, Australia, this album offers a serene and enchanting journey through a variety of musical styles and influences.

The album features 22 tracks, each meticulously arranged by Carlos Salzedo, a master harpist whose influence on modern harp technique is immeasurable. Salzedo's transcriptions of popular classics, folk melodies, and concert fantasies for solo harp are brought to life with Giles' virtuosic playing, resulting in a performance of crystalline clarity and diaphanous delight.

From the tender melodies of "Believe Me" and "Annie Laurie" to the lively concert fantasies like "Jolly Piper" and "Turkey Strut," the album spans a wide range of moods and tempos. Giles' performance is complemented by an 8-page descriptive booklet, providing context and insights into the pieces and their arrangements.

"Song in the Night" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Salzedo's work and the timeless beauty of the harp. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, this album promises a soothing and engaging experience. The release date is May 13, 2006, and it is available on various platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Music.

13 mei 2006

(P) 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

About Carlos Salzedo

Carlos Salzedo, born Charles Moïse Léon Salzedo, was a French harpist, pianist, composer, and conductor whose innovative approach to the harp elevated it to new heights of virtuosity. Born into a musical Sephardic Jewish family in Arcachon, France, Salzedo displayed his prodigious talent early, winning the premier prix in both harp and piano at the Paris Conservatory at the age of sixteen. His career spanned the Atlantic, with notable performances at the New York Metropolitan Opera and a significant influence on the American music scene. Salzedo was a founding member of the International Composers' Guild with Edgard Varèse and taught at prestigious institutions like Juilliard and the Curtis Institute of Music. His compositions for the harp are renowned for their technical brilliance and expressive depth, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern harp repertoire. Beyond his performing and composing, Salzedo's pedagogical contributions, including the founding of the Salzedo Harp Colony, have left an enduring legacy, inspiring generations of harpists and musicians.