Alphonse Hasselmans was born in Liège, Belgium, in
1845 and studied in Strasbourg, Germany, with Gottlieb
Kruger who himself had been a student of Parish-Alvars.
In 1884 he became professor of harp at the Paris
Conservatoire, a position he held until his death in
1912. Hasselmans played a major role in the revival of
interest in harp-playing towards the end of the
nineteenth century.
A good many compositions by other composers were
inspired by his virtuoso playing and were d...(+)
Alphonse Hasselmans was born in Liège, Belgium, in
1845 and studied in Strasbourg, Germany, with Gottlieb
Kruger who himself had been a student of Parish-Alvars.
In 1884 he became professor of harp at the Paris
Conservatoire, a position he held until his death in
1912. Hasselmans played a major role in the revival of
interest in harp-playing towards the end of the
nineteenth century.
A good many compositions by other composers were
inspired by his virtuoso playing and were dedicated to
him, among them Fauré?s Impromptu, Op 86. Hasselmans
himself did not attach much importance to his own
compositions but his charming salon pieces added
greatly to the harp?s repertoire, not least in their
technical value.
"Chanson de Mai" was written by Hasselmans in 1897
entirely for Harp.