Études pour la harpe - Studies for the harp

Felix Godefroid, the incomparable virtuoso known as the Paganini of the harp, was also active as a composer and teacher. Sophie Hallynck presents the studies by the composer with great virtuosity in this recording. The pieces, designed for his own use and that of specialists, are both "absolute music" - such as the justly famous Etude op. 193 - and picturesque or sentimental character pieces. The musical miniatures burst with musicality in a refined style, but they are primarily the expression of a pedagogical programme. Godefroid saw his etudes as a true school for harpists. Every technical problem becomes the medium for musical expression - an approach that gives these etudes extraordinary richness and special significance. They are often based on one of the melodies that Godefroid mastered so well and are characterized by a strong expressive character ranging from cheerfulness to melancholy, as well as structure, rhythm, new timbral colours and harmonic surprises that are not lacking in boldness. Sophie Hallynck has tackled the technical challenges of each étude and remained faithful to the spirit of the period, striving for a subtle balance between virtuosity and expression. Her essential goal has always been to bring technique to life through music, without obscuring the emotion that emanates from it.