John Thomas - 12 Studies for Harp (Paola Baron)

Information

Composer: John Thomas

• 12 Studies for Harp

Paola Baron, harp

Date: 2025

Label: Azul Music

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Italian harpist Paola Baron presents Thomas: 12 Studies for Harp, an album dedicated to the influential Welsh composer John Thomas, a central figure in the development of the harp as a concert instrument. Through refined technique and musical sensitivity, Baron brings renewed attention to a pedagogically essential yet rarely performed repertoire. An award-winning performer and experienced orchestral musician, she combines scholarly insight with artistry to reveal the expressive depth of these studies. The recording highlights the technical and musical variety of Thomas’s writing, offering a compelling interpretation that contributes meaningfully to the promotion and understanding of the harp repertoire.

John Thomas (1826–1913) was a renowned Welsh harpist who trained under his father before continuing his studies in London, where he later taught at the Royal Academy of Music. He gained international acclaim as a performer, was awarded the bardic title Pencerdd Gwalia (“Chief Musician of Wales”) at the Aberdare Eisteddfod in 1861, and was appointed official harpist to the Queen, a position he retained under her successor. Thomas composed an extensive body of harp music, including original works, arrangements, and pieces inspired by Welsh traditions. Notable works for two harps include Scenes of Childhood and Cambria, reflecting both technical skill and national heritage.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz