Elias Parish Alvars
Donald Macleod explores the story of Devon-born harp virtuoso Elias Parish Alvars.
Donald Macleod explores the story of Devon-born harp virtuoso Elias Parish Alvars.
The 19th century was an exciting time for classical musicians. Urban centres across Europe and the New World were expanding rapidly, creating a profitable music circuit for touring performers 鈥� particularly if you had the talent and star-power to attract audiences in large numbers! A new breed of performer began to emerge: extraordinary virtuosos whose dazzling abilities made them into international sensations. Liszt, Chopin, Clara Schumann and Paganini are among the names best remembered today but there were many others. This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of four more 19th-century 鈥榮howstoppers鈥� who were equally celebrated in their day, and who also turned their talents to composing.
Today, Elias Parish Alvars steps into the spotlight. He was born in Teignmouth, Devon in relatively humble circumstances, but his talents as a harpist took him right across the world. Elias had travelled to Europe, Moscow, Constantinople, Kiev, Odessa and the Black Sea, all by the time he was 26. We meet him as he arrives in Vienna, now craving a more settled life and looking for love.
Introduction, Cadenza & Rondo (extract)
Judy Loman, harp
Grand March Op.67
Katherine Thomas, harp, 成人快手 National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Jonathan Bloxham
Grand Duo on Donizetti鈥檚 Linda di Chamounix, Op.65
Simon Callaghan, piano
Cl铆odna Shanahan, piano
Harp Concerto in E flat Op.98, I. Allegro brillante
Marielle Nordmann, harp, Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Theodor Guschlbauer
Grand Study in Imitation of a Mandolin Op.84
Joel von Lerber, harp
Last on
More episodes
Music Played
-
![]()
Elias Parish Alvars
Introduction, Cadenza & Rondo (extract)
Performer: Judy Loman.- NAXOS : 8.-554347.
- NAXOS.
- 14.
-
![]()
Elias Parish Alvars
Grand March, Op 67
Performer: Katherine Thomas. Orchestra: 成人快手 National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Jonathan Bloxham. -
![]()
Elias Parish Alvars
Grand Duo on Donizetti's Linda di Chamounix, Op 65
Performer: Simon Callaghan. Performer: Cl铆odna Shanahan.- LYRITA : 04-11.
- LYRITA.
- 1.
-
![]()
Elias Parish Alvars
Harp Concerto in E flat Op.98, (I. Allegro brillante)
Performer: Marielle Nordmann. Orchestra: Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg. Conductor: Theodor Guschlbauer.- ERATO : 5622182.
- ERATO.
- 1.
-
![]()
Elias Parish Alvars
Grand Study in Imitation of a Mandolin, Op 84
Performer: Joel von Lerber.- CLAVES : CD-3048.
- CLAVES.
- 6.
Broadcast
- Wed 27 Dec 2023 12:00成人快手 Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed 鈥� the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
Composers A to Z
Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.
Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week
The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod鈥檚 best stories from the last 20 years
Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem
What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?
A man out of time 鈥� why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...
The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.
Composer Help Page
Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.