Translated into English by Geraldine Ruegg-Complete Method For Harp is a method for Pedal Harp written by Henriette Renié. Initially in French this edition is the English version translated by G. Ruegg. This complete method for Harp offers a full technique and a syntax-appendix. From the very beginning this method shows: how to tune a harp how to use pedals how to position yourself (with illustrations and comments); this volume is very progressive and highlights all the important aspects progressively. This book also highlights the methods for trills tremolos crossing hands the intervals by sliding and all the technicalaspects to learn to be able to play most musical works. This method seems to be the book every harpist should have in order to master a perfect technique. Henriette Renié was a virtuoso French harpist born in 1875. With professors such as Alphonse Hasselmans and Théodore Dubois she received the First Prize for the Harp in 1887. She has written numerous works for Harp including chamber music and a concerto.

For intermediate players Guitare Op.50 is a melodious piece by Alphonse Hasselmans. Composed ideally for pedal Harps this piece includes some pedal changes and some accidental alterations. Three sections can be differentiated: Allegro Moderato (3/8) Pas trop retenu (3/4) and Tempo 1 (3/8). The last part is a variation of the theme played in the Allegro Moderato section. Perfect for a recital this piece for Harp is really enjoyable to play and to listen to. Alphonse Hasselmans (1845-1912) is a Belgian-born French harpist a great composer and renowned professor. He has composed and transcribed numerousworks for the Harp. He also edited and reviewed a collection of works by Bochsa. His most famous piece is a concert piece called The Wellspring Op. 44.

Célèbres Études pour la harpe-Composed by?Nicolas-Charles Bochsa Twenty-five studies Op. 62?is a set of part of the 'Favourite studies' from the same author for intermediate and advanced Harp players. Reviewed by Alphonse Hasselmans each studies has a different difficulty level and can be played separately. This set of studies will help the Harpist to gain in flexibility and speed and would ideally be played on pedal Harps. In the same series Bochsa also composed a set of 'Forty easy studies Op. 318' a set of 'Twenty studies' in two books and one called 'Fifty studies Op.34'. All these sets havebeen reviewed by Alphonse Hasselmans professor at the Paris Conservatoire who also indicated the best finger positions to use.

With few studies in existence for the Harp Henriette Reiné's Complete Method of the Harp fills a large gap. Comprising two volumes the first addresses the fudamentals of technique. Renié (1875-1956) was a deeply religious woman who lived in poverty for much of her life. She was a highly accomplished harpist and composer yet she had little triumph due to success being socially unacceptable for women at the time. Reiné's Complete Method of the Harp was written during WWII and remains widely used to this day. Aspects of technique covered in the first volume include pedalling fingering chords scales harmonics arpeggios intervals hand placement and glissandos among other elements. Moreover a helpfully labelled diagram of the Harp is included. Renié's Complete Method of the Harp is an essential accompaniment to all Harp studies.

French born harpist and composer Marcel Grandjany (1891-1975) studied at the Paris Conservatoire before spending much of his working life in America. His Rhapsodie For Harp was composed in 1921 and is a sublime addition to the Harp's repertoire. Grandjany was a teacher of Harp at the Juilliard School for 37 years whilst also composing and transcribing many works for the instrument. Rhapsodie For Harp is based on a theme of a Gregorian Easter chant intended to be accompanied by Orchestra. Exploiting the Harp to a virtuosic level  Rhapsodie ForHarp by Grandjany makes for a thrilling performance for advanced harpists.

Jacques Ibert (1890-1962) studied at the Paris Conservatoire before embarking upon a successful composing career. The composer wrote for a variety of instrumentations and his works remain popular to this day Six Pieces for Harp being no exception. Composed in 1916-1917 Six Pieces for solo Harp is suitable for advanced level harpists. Ibert was a unique composer who did not associate himself with any particular style. His music is generally lighthearted often reflecting the composer's wit and humour. The second movement of Six Pieces Scherzetto reflects the composer's humoresqueand quirky nature. Containing a variety of musical aspects and techniques Ibert's Scherzetto from Six Pieces is an exciting addition to the advanced level Harp repertoire.

Written by François Joseph Naderman (1781-1835) Sonatinas Progressive Op. 92 consists of a series of seven small sonatas. The level of difficulty alternates between intermediate and advanced as these can be played at different speeds but necessitates some strong technique as well as some pedal changes. These Sonatinas Progressive Op. 92 are still considered as some of the most famous pieces of the Harp repertoire today. François Joseph Naderman was a classical harpist composer and teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. His vocation was developed by growing up as the son of a LuthierHarp maker. He also wrote Sonatas for Harp Harp and Cello studies and other pieces.

Ibert's Six Pieces for Harp were published in 1917 shortly after the composer's graduation from the Paris Conservatoire. He was a successful composer writing for a variety of instruments including the Harp such as his Six Pieces. Despite his studies being interrupted by WWI Jacques Ibert (1890-1962) won the Grand Prix de Rome on his first attempt proving his ability from a young age. Ibert enjoyed tackling all styles and form of modernity with equal success. His Six Pieces for Harp display frequent changes of tempo time signature and key signature as well as the use of complexrhythms and varied articulation. The Six Pieces have a continuous romantic theme set near water; 1. Morning on the water 2. Scherzetto 3. Boat in the evening 4. Ballad 5. Reflections in the water and 6. Fantasy. Ibert's Six Pieces are evocative and creative suitable for all intermediate- to advanced-level harpists.

Célèbres Études pour la harpe-Australian born Nicolas-Charles Bochsa (1789-1856) studied at the Paris Conservatoire before embarking upon a career as a harpist and composer. His Celebrated Studies for Harp 40 Easy Studies is well-informed and essential to progression on the instrument. The second volume comprises 40 easy exercises which focus on fingering countermelodies rhythms intervals chords articulation phrasing chromaticism dynamics and performance directions among other musical aspects. Celebrated Studies for Harp by Nicolas-Charles Bochsa is essential to accompany all Harp studies.

Australian born Nicolas-Charles Bochsa (1789-1856) studied at the Paris Conservatoire before embarking upon a career as a harpist and composer. His Celebrated Studies for Harp is well-informed and essential to progression on the instrument. The first suite comprises twenty studies which focus on fingering countermelodies rhythms intervals chords articulation phrasing chromaticism dynamics and performance directions among other musical aspects. Celebrated Studies for Harp by Nicolas-Charles Bochsa is essential to accompany all advanced Harp studies.

Variations Sur Un Thème Dans Le Style Ancien by Carlos Salzedo is the third and final work of a series called “Three pieces” for solo pedal Harp. Difficult to play it is rated 8° and requires good mastering of the instrument and of its technique including the pedals. Using the full range of the instrument this work features numerous trills glissandos and accidentals among other technicalities and is divided between really fast and more quiet parts. Really delightful this melodious piece is composed of a main theme and eleven variations:  Main Theme (Maestoso) is composed of chords I. A tempo Graziamente II. Tempo di Bourrée III. Scherzando IV. L’Istesso tempo V. Maestoso VI. Vigorosamente VII. Molto piú lento VIII. Vivo risoluto IX. Lento tempo di Barcaruola X. Como un preludio XI. Fuga Finishing on the main theme a Tempo this wonderful work is an amazing piece to include in a concert or a recital. Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961) was a French harpist and composer who wrote and transcribed numerous pieces for the Harp. He also wrote some pedagogical publications for harpists.