The years between 1900 and 1925 in Paris were some of the most fruitful in the history of harp repertoire. Debussy?s ?Danses sacree et profane? and his ?Sonate pour flute, alto, et harpe,? Caplet?s ?Masque of the Red Death? and his ?Two Divertissements,? Gabriel Pierne?s ?Concertstucke? and ?Impromptu caprice,? and Ravel?s ?Introduction et Allegro? were among the many important compositions written during this period. Many harpists would give pride of place in this list, however, to Gabriel Faure?s ?Impromptu? and ?Une chatelaine en sa tour.?? now published here in one volume for the first time. These are both essentials for every serious student of the harp.

Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) was a French composer conductor and organist. Despite being predominantly remembered as a conductor his Impromptu-Caprice remains a popular performance piece in the advanced harpists' repertoire. Pierné studied at the Paris Conservatoire before taking up the position of chief conductor for the concert series Concerts Colonne in 1910. He remained in the post until 1933 and during this time he notably conducted the world premiere of Igor Stravinsky's 'The Firebird'. Pierné composed for a variety of instruments Impromptu-Caprice being one of four solo worksby the composer. This Pierné piece for Harp contains many characteristics typical of the French style such as significant tempo changes flourishes of semiquavers and many alterations in dynamics. Impromptu-Caprice is a varied piece essential to the repertoire of aspiring harpists.