A Summer Evening for Harp and Piano

Enjoy an enchanting summer evening of music for harp and piano with impassioned works by Granados, Falla, Boccherini, Mozart, Dussek, Debussy, Albeniz and Ravel.

At this Summer Evening for Harp and Piano you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most unique works ever written for this unique pair of instruments. This musical journey will begin with Luigi Boccherini’s Introduction and Fandango from Guitar Quintet in D Major with its sizzling, Spanish-inspired dance rhythms. Mozart’s sunny Larghetto and Allegro in E-flat Major, originally for two keyboards, transports us to the elegant Stil galant of the Rococo period.

Among the finest and most frequently performed works for harp in the concert repertory is Claude Debussy’s exotic Danse sacrée et danse profane. Originally written for chromatic harp and string orchestra, it captures the timbre of the harp with its crystalline transparency of sound, modal harmonies, and an aura of antiquity. His Impressionist soundworld influenced Isaak Albeniz and Enrique Granados to develop a uniquely nationalist Spanish style filled with robust folkloricism, dramatic flair, amorous melodies, piquant harmonies, and flamboyant rhythms such as we find in Albeniz’s Granada from his iconic collection, Suite espagnole, and in Granados’ wistful Oriental and bittersweet Andaluza from Danzas espanolas.

Regarded as one of the greatest Spanish composers of the 20th century, Manuel de Falla followed in Granados’ footsteps in his impassioned and evocative four Spanish Dances – Aragonesa, Cubana, Montanesa, and Andaluza.

The program concludes with Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, originally scored for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet, which showcases the shimmering textures, sensual allure, and brilliant virtuosity of the harp.