Marcel Tournier (1879 - 1951), Suite, Op.34 (1928)
Performed by the Mirage Quartet
00:00 - No. 1 Calme et expressif
03:30 - No. 2 Naivement
05:32 - No. 3 Assez lent, avec melancolie
08:52 - No. 4 Anime
Marcel Tournier, distinguished performer, pedagogue and composer, was a figure of great stature among harpists and aficionados of the instrument. Tournier was not only a major exponent of the theory and practice of the harp-his singularity as a musician was a source of inspiration to numerous composers, among them Fauré, who created works for the master.
Tournier himself contributed to harp literature with compositions that demonstrated the full potential of the instrument. The Suite reveals many of the qualities associated with French music of the twentieth century: refined turn of phrases, pellucid textures and colours. Constantly exploring the tonal possibilities of the harp, Tournier advanced the expressive capacity of his instrument.
The opening movement, Soir, begins in a plaintive vein which is succeeded by a sweep of accelerated momentum, eventually returning to a pensive conclusion. The second movement Danse is scored as lushly as a tropical breeze. A languid melody belongs to the flute, but the harp, in its surging fullness, provides the foundation of the movement. The third movement Lied is introspective and thoughtful, while the fourth, Fête, contains poetic elements, by turns serious and playful. The writing is compact and richly textured.
I apologise for the poor quality of the sheet music which seems to have been scanned poorly.