Country

:

France

Birth

:

August 31, 1893 in Paris, France

Death

:

January 4, 1988 in Paris, France

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Lily Laskine was a French harpist who was born on August 31, 1893, in Paris, France. She was the daughter of a Russian father and a French mother. Her father was a violinist and her mother was a pianist. Laskine grew up in a musical family and began playing the harp at the age of nine. Laskine studied at the Paris Conservatory with Alphonse Hasselmans, who was one of the most renowned harpists of his time. She won first prize at the conservatory at the age of 16, which was a remarkable achievement for someone so young. After graduating from the conservatory, Laskine began performing professionally and quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest harpists in France. Laskine's career took off in the 1920s and 1930s, when she began performing with some of the most famous orchestras in Europe. She played with the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, among others. She also performed with many famous conductors, including Arturo Toscanini, Wilhelm Furtwängler, and Herbert von Karajan. One of Laskine's most famous performances was her rendition of the Harp Concerto by François-Adrien Boieldieu. She recorded the concerto in 1953 with the Lamoureux Orchestra, and the recording became one of the best-selling classical albums of all time. Laskine's interpretation of the concerto was praised for its clarity, precision, and beauty. Laskine was also known for her work as a chamber musician. She played with many famous musicians, including the violinist Jacques Thibaud and the cellist Pablo Casals. She was a member of the Trio Pasquier, which was one of the most famous chamber ensembles of the time. In addition to her performing career, Laskine was also a respected teacher. She taught at the Paris Conservatory and at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Many of her students went on to become successful harpists in their own right. Laskine received many awards and honors throughout her career. She was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1932 and was promoted to Officier in 1952. She was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque in 1953 for her recording of the Harp Concerto by Boieldieu. Laskine continued to perform and teach until her death on January 4, 1988, at the age of 94. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest harpists of the 20th century. Her recordings continue to be admired for their beauty and technical excellence, and her influence can be heard in the playing of many harpists today.

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