Thomas: Complete Duos for Harp and Piano Vol. 4

Duo Praxedis

TOCC 0582

Harpist to Queen Victoria, the Welsh composer John Thomas (1826–1913) also wrote prolifically for his own instrument, both for solo harp and for duos of two harps or harp and piano – a combination where the different sounds of the two instruments enhance the clarity of the texture. Thomas’ original works use the elegant Romantic style of his own day, but he often drew on Welsh folksong for his inspiration and also left a generous legacy of transcriptions, especially of operatic favourites. Although some of his music was intended for the Victorian drawing room, other pieces require a virtuoso technique – and all of it has a thoroughly engaging melodic appeal.

Works:

•Arditi: Il Bacio. Valse (arr. Thomas)
•Meyerbeer: Meyerbeer's Favorite Opera 'Dinorah' (Arr. for Harp and Piano by John Thomas)
•Bellini: Duet on Themes from 'Norma' (Arr. for Harp and Piano by John Thomas)
•Rossini: La Carità (Arr. for Harp and Piano by John Thomas)
•Arditi: The Ilma Valse (Arr. for Harp and Piano by John Thomas)
•Arditi: L’Estasi. Valse (Arr. for Harp and Piano by John Thomas)
•Thomas, John: Harp Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Major
•Thomas, John: March of the Welsh Fusiliers

CD

3.04.2024

5060113445827