La Harpe Reine: Concertos for Harp at the Court of Marie-Antoinette - Xavier de Maistre, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants

The triumph of the harp!

When Marie-Antoinette arrived at the French court in 1770, she brought a harp in her luggage. Thanks to her enthusiasm, the instrument was to enjoy a revival of interest that produced an abundant repertory.

"The outstanding feature of Christie’s collaboration with the superb Xavier de Maistre is an exquisitely refined account of Krumpholtz’s enchanting Fifth Harp Concerto (1778) . . .

BBC Music Magazine

"This is rococo entertainment music at its most decorously pastel… De Maistre’s playing is a marvel of delicate colouring and shimmering, perfectly even passagework . . ."

Gramophone

JEAN-BAPTISTE KRUMPHOLTZ
Concerto for Harp and Orchestra No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Op.7
· I. Allegro moderato (11'20)
· II. Andante con variazioni : "O ma tendre musette" (4'34)
· III. Rondo - Allegro (7'15)

JOSEPH HAYDN [1732-1809]
Symphony No. 85, "La Reine" in B-Flat Major, Hob.1:85
· I. Adagio - Vivace (10'09)
· II. Romance. Allegretto (5'57)
· III. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio (4'55)
· IV. Finale. Presto (3'36)

JOHANN DAVID HERMANN
Concerto for Harp and Orchestra no. 1 in F Major, Op.9
· I. Allegro (12'54)
· II. Rondo (5'14)

CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK [1714-1787]
· Orphée et Eurydice
Danse des esprits bienheureux (4'05)