Harp Works: Talitman(Hp)Etc (The School Of Harp In France Vol.2)

Son of Jean-Guillain, violonist at the Royal Chapelle of Versailles, Jean-Baptiste Cardon was born in Rethel Champagne in 1760. Since his childhood he developed a talent and agility in playing the harp. Young, he settled in Paris by Marie Therese of Savoy (1756-1805)-Countess d'Artois to whom he dedicated four sonatas composed in 1785. He also dedicated to the queen Marie Antoinette the sonatas op. 7, which became very fond of and played frequently at the royal court. Other compositions were dedicated also to the Prince of Wales. In 1784 he published L'art de jouer de la harpe dmontr dans ses principes, suivi de deux sonates, ddi aux amateurs de cet instrument-the art of playing the harp - the book is one of the oldest methods of the kind. Most of his compositions were published under the name Cardon Fils. Harpist, teacher and specially a composer he aims at bringing the harp to it's utmost virtuosity. Mme de Genlis Cadon's contemporary famous harpist and teacher wrote in her memories book about the talented composer Cardon one of the most important of his time. Fleeing the French Revolution in 1974, he went to Russia Saint-Ptersbourg where he became professor of harp to the royal family. He was the court's harpist as well as Catherine 2 harp teacher, and played at the most important concert theatre. He died very young -43 years old, in 1803 in Saint- Ptersbourg when he intended to go back to France. His publications include several sonatas for harp and violin, trios and a concerto and symphonies. His compositions push the harp to the extreme virtuosity, brilliant scales and arpeggios. The concerto, trios and sonatas in this recording are written in two movements-the first Allegro and the second Rondo. The sonatas op. X for harp and violin were dedicated to Catherine 2 the Empress of Russia. The melodies are mostly classical mixing surprisingly from time to time different styles.