Consolations Nr. 1-6; Ave Maria (Die Glocken von Rom); Angelus (Priere aux anges gardiens); Liebesträume Nr. 1-3; Ave Maria; Ave Maria von Arcadelt; Ständchen (Franz Schubert / Franz Liszt / Elias Parish Alvars)

Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who is best known for his groundbreaking works as a pianist and composer, had an indirect but significant relationship with the harp. Although he did not compose much for the instrument, he recognized its expressive possibilities and occasionally incorporated it into his orchestral and vocal works. His appreciation of the harp's unique sound is particularly evident in pieces such as the Dante Symphony and Les Préludes, where the harp adds a celestial or ethereal texture that complements his dramatic musical narratives.

Liszt's sphere of influence also brought him into contact with harpists of his time, and he occasionally arranged pieces that could be adapted for the harp. His transcription of Schubert's Ave Maria, for example, has become a popular work among harpists. Although he never wrote solo compositions for the harp, the lyrical and arpeggiated character of his piano compositions shows similarities with the harp technique and suggests an understanding of the expressive qualities of the instrument.

This beautiful program presents arrangements of works by Liszt that are particularly suitable for harp performance: Ave Maria, Schubert's Ständchen, 6 Consolations, 3 Liebesträume and Angelus. The harp arrangements are by several famous harpists and composers of the late 19th century.

Beautifully played by Anna Pasetti, one of today's leading harpists. As a musicologist, she is the author of around 300 publications on the history of the harp and its repertoire (including 5 monographs), but also has numerous recordings to her name, most of which are devoted to the unknown harp repertoire that she herself has rediscovered.