Oberthür, Sur la Rive de la Mer, Impromptu Op. 117
Charles Oberthür (1819-1895) was one of the best-known of nineteenth-century harpists and a prolific composer for his instrument. Born in Munich, he held appointments at Zurich and Wiesbaden before settling in London in 1844– At the forefront of English harp playing and teaching for the next fifty years he also maintained strong European connections, teaching at the Paris and Brussels conservatories, touring extensively and visiting numerous courts and festivals. His private pupils included Princess Stephanie (wife of Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria) and the Duchess of Wellington. In 1884 he toured the USA. Sur la Rive de la Mer (On the Seashore) by Oberthür boasts this most romantic setting: imagine a breezy afternoon on the beach in the era of gracious long dress, drinking in the view and the rippling sound of the waves. Of medium difficulty, it is the perfect piece to learn expressive arpeggio playing, and get introduced to the three-handed technique with its accompanying use of synonyms. The pedagogic aim is obvious, but the caressing feel stays with you long after the song has rung out.
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