Harpist to Queen Victoria, the Welsh composer John Thomas (1826–1913) also wrote prolifically for his own instrument, both for solo harp and for duos of two harps or harp and piano – a combination where the different sounds of the two instruments enhance the clarity of the texture. Thomas’ original works use the elegant Romantic style of his own day, but he also left a generous legacy of transcriptions, especially of operatic favourites. Although some of his music was intended for the Victorian drawing room, other pieces require a virtuoso technique – and all of it has a thoroughly engaging melodic appeal.
Works:
•Rossini: Mosè in Egitto
• Thomas, John: Coronation March
• Thomas, John: Le Désir. Rhapsody
• Charles Gounod / John Thomas: Soldier's Chorus from "Faust"
• Charles Gounod / John Thomas / Julius Benedict: Duet on Subjects from "Faust"
• Giuseppe Verdi / John Thomas: 6 Gems from Verdi's Operas
• Luigi Venzano / John Thomas: La Gassier Valse