The Age of Elegance – French Music from Impressionism to Art Nouveau: 8 pieces by Ravel, Debussy, Faure, Satie & other composers – Simple arrangements for small lever harp

The Age of Elegance: French Music from Impressionism to Art Nouveau 8 pieces by Ravel, Debussy, Faure, Satie & other composers Simple arrangements for small lever harp Paris, 1899. As the turn of the new century approached, the vibrant city of light was abuzz with artistic fervor, its streets echoing with the footsteps of visionaries and dreamers. Against this backdrop of burgeoning creativity, a group of composers emerged, each destined to leave an indelible mark on the history of French music. Among these luminaries was Claude Debussy, whose compositions, through a new use of harmony and timbre, seemed to conjure the very essence of Impressionist paintings. Maurice Ravel, a master of orchestration, composed music that was a mirror reflecting the elegance and opulence of the Art Nouveau movement, a marriage of intricate design and sumptuous melodies. Gabriel Faure, a bridge between Romanticism and Modernism, wrote delicate melodies that spoke to the heart. His compositions, imbued with a poignant simplicity, carried a sense of longing and introspection, much like the delicate lines of a Lalique glasswork. These lever harp arrangements, designed for a limited string configuration of 26 strings (from C to g”), offer an accessible yet musically satisfying experience. The intentionally simplified level of difficulty ensures that harpists of varying skill levels can engage with these compositions, embarking on a voyage through the harmonies and aesthetics that defined a pivotal era in French musical history. The resonant timbre of the harp becomes an ideal medium for channeling the spirit of Impressionism and Art Nouveau, allowing performers to capture the essence of these compositions and share them with audiences seeking an authentic connection to the past. CONTENTS Marcel TOURNIER: Prelude Op.16 Nr.1 Maurice RAVEL: Pavane pour une Infante Defunte Hernest CHAUSSON: Hebe, chanson grecque dans le mode phrygien Erik SATIE: Je te veux, valse Claude DEBUSSY: Reverie Gabriel FAURE: Sicilienne Jules MOUQUET: Allegretto (in modo antico) Melanie (Mel) BONIS: Prelude op.10 Simple arrangements for small lever harp Range: 26 strings from C to g” Tuning required: E flat