Alphonse Hasselmans (1845-1912) born in Belgium, lived
in France many years and was professor of harp at the
Paris Conservatoire. His pupils included Renie,
Tournier, Sassoli, Salzedo, Kahn, Grandjany, Jamet &
Laskine.
He was a harpist and composer, son of Josef H.
Hasselmans. He first studied the harp with his father,
then with Gottlieb Kruger in Stuttgart, Xavier Desargus
in Brussels and Ange-Conrad Prumier (son of Antoine
Prumier) in Paris. The early part of his career was
spent in ...(+)
Alphonse Hasselmans (1845-1912) born in Belgium, lived
in France many years and was professor of harp at the
Paris Conservatoire. His pupils included Renie,
Tournier, Sassoli, Salzedo, Kahn, Grandjany, Jamet &
Laskine.
He was a harpist and composer, son of Josef H.
Hasselmans. He first studied the harp with his father,
then with Gottlieb Kruger in Stuttgart, Xavier Desargus
in Brussels and Ange-Conrad Prumier (son of Antoine
Prumier) in Paris. The early part of his career was
spent in Brussels, where he became harpist at the
Theatre de la Monnaie. In 1877 he gave eight successful
solo concerts in Paris, which brought him appointments
as solo harpist with the Paris orchestras of the
Conservatoire, Opera and Opera-Comique. In 1884 he
succeeded his teacher Prumier as professor of the harp
at the Conservatoire. He revised the harp course, and
the principles of his teaching appear in his article
"La harpe et sa technique"
As a virtuoso Hasselmans was a significant force in the
revival of harp playing at the turn of the century. A
large number of compositions of value were inspired by
his performance and dedicated to him. His own
compositions for harp have added much technical value
to the repertory of the instrument. He wrote some 50
pieces which include Gitana op. 21, La Source op. 44
and many transcriptions.
Although this piece is seldom performed, I believe it
represents one on the best examples of his subtle yet
complex works.
SHEET MUSIC