This SACD includes five major works of the harp literature from various periods. The Sonata in G major of C. P. E. Bach marks the beginning of solo literature for the harp; until then, the instrument was only used as an accompanying instrument with an exotic timbre. Heinz Holliger also orientated himself on this sonata, taking up the old movement designations of Bach’s time, among other things. Germaine Tailleferre belonged to the “Groupe des Six;” her Harp Sonata has a neo-classical character. The “Deux Divertissements” of André Caplet are character pieces “à la française” and “à l’espagnole” in the style of the time with impressionistic traits. Benjamin Britten’s Suite, written in 1969, concludes the recording with a technically and musically brilliant work.

Sarah O’Brien is solo harpist of the Munich Philharmonic. She performs as soloist, chamber musician and orchestral musician. Alongside her position as solo harpist, she is a professor at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Music Academy in Basel. Sarah O’Brien regularly gives master courses and serves on juries at various competitions and auditions.

Works:

CAPLET, ANDRE
Deux Divertissements
à la francaise
à l'espagnole

TAILLEFERRE, GERMAINE
Sonate pour harpe

BACH, CARL PHILIPP EMANUEL

Sonata G-major, Wq 139/H 563

HOLLIGER, HEINZ
Präludium
Arioso
Passacaglia

BRITTEN, BENJAMIN
Suite op. 83
Choral St. Denio