This disc explores that rarity of the classical repertoire, the harp concerto. The musical characteristics of the harp can provide some what of a challenge for the composer if writing a concerto for the instrument, but this disc boasts two wonderful examples that show see mingly endless possibilities. Frenchman François?Adrien Boieldieu (1775 ?1834) was probably best?known for his 40operas, but after developing a close friendship with Sébastien Érard, the pianomaker – who was investigating and implementing improvements to the harp mechanism – Boieldieu began to write pieces for the harp. With the lyricism of the instrument showcased in the second movement Andante, over slow?moving strings, and fast finger?work dominating the Allegro agitato finale, Boieldieu’s concerto stands in marked contrast to that of Alberta Ginastera’s. Here, after a fiery, almost aggressive opening few bars, the music gradually progresses towards the eeriechromaticism in the second movement. An extended virtuosic solo cadenza then marks the beginning of the finale, in which a series of tense chords hail the abrupt ending of the piece.The concertos are performed by Jutta Zoff,who was at the peak of her glittering career at the time of recording. The German harpist  had been a favourite soloist of theStaatskapelle Dresden since 1967 and enjoyed tours of Europe, the USA and the Middle East. The orchestra is conducted by Siegfried Kurz.

Jutta Zoff harp

StaatskapeIle Dresden

Siegfried Kurz conductor