COMPOSERS: Debussy,Hovhaness,Rorem,Salzedo
LABELS: Telarc
WORKS: Chanson dans la nuit; Impromptu, Op. 86; Clair de lune; Suite; Nocturne; Sky Music
PERFORMER: Yolanda Kondonassis (harp)
CATALOGUE NO: CD-80418
This disc has a balance between very familiar harp pieces like the oft-recorded Fauré Impromptu and recording premieres such as Ned Rorem’s Sky Music, from which the disc’s title is taken.
Debussy’s Clair de lune is the one transcription to be found but it is played straight, without any attempted harp effects. Indeed, the real quality of this disc lies in the clarity of playing and purity of recorded sound. Care is given to line and structure throughout but especially in the sound-images of the Rorem, Hovhaness and Salzedo pieces. This is harp-playing and recording of a very high quality, with a natural and resonant but direct sound (about which very specific technical information is given). Danielle Perrett