The three movements of the Concerto (his 6th) are densely orchestrated for the period but traditionally structured with virtuoso writing for the harp. The Harp Concerto shows Boieldieu's roots in operatic theatre - the brisk and lyric opening movement hints at the Romantic Movement to come, it's melodic themes show the dynamics of the harp with classical clarity. The second, slow movement could be written for a soprano voice - it's minor key gives it a lovely haunting feel to its beautiful roulades and poignant moments, contrasting with the outer movements. The final movement capitalises on great technical ability at a fast pace building to a terrific conclusion.

About the Composer
The principal composer of French opera in the first quarter of the 19th century, Boieldieu was born in Rouen in 1775 and had his first theatrical success in 1793. He had many concert hall successes, most notably his duets for harp and piano. He was appointed professor of piano at the newly opened Paris Conservatoire in 1798. Success in Paris was followed by failure in marriage and a period as director of French opera at the Russian court in St. Petersburg, whence he returned to Paris in 1811, after some eight years of absence. By the time of his death in 1834 he had gone some way towards upholding French comic opera traditions against the inroads of the more popular Italian comedy of Rossini.

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