Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane and Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro are arguably the most important cornerstones of the harpists repertoire. It is therefore surprising to learn that these almost sacrosanct works came into being as a result of the Pleyel and Èrard companies needing to promote their new instruments. Despite the obvious need for the pieces to display the impressive range of the new chromatic and double-action harps, it is a measure of both composers’ skill and restraint that the virtuosity never overwhelms.
Debussy
Danse sacrée et danse profane
Ravel
Pavanne pour une infant defunte (arr Le Page)
Debussy
The Girl with the flaxen hair (arr Le Page)
Ravel
Le Tombeau de Couperin (arr. Le Page)
Saint-Saëns
Fantaisie for Violin and Harp
Saint-Saëns
The Swan
Satie
Gymnopédie No.1
Debussy
Deux arabesques
Ravel
Introduction and Allegro
David Le Page – violin/director
Eleanor Turner – harp
Pre-concert talk: 6.45pm
Concert: 7.30pm
Save 20% when you book to see 3 concerts in the Number 8 Series
