Composer

:

Carlos Salzedo

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

01:35

Carlos Salzedo's "Paraphrase on 'We Three Kings'" is a harp solo that was composed in 1926. The piece was premiered by Salzedo himself in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Christmas carol "We Three Kings." The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is based on the opening section of the carol. It begins with a simple, flowing melody that is played in the upper register of the harp. This melody is then repeated and developed, with Salzedo adding intricate arpeggios and flourishes to create a sense of movement and momentum. The movement ends with a return to the original melody, played softly and delicately. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is based on the middle section of the carol. This section is more lively and upbeat than the first, with Salzedo using a variety of techniques to create a sense of excitement and energy. The harpist plays rapid arpeggios and glissandos, creating a flurry of notes that build to a climax before subsiding into a quieter, more reflective section. The final movement is marked "Andante" and is based on the final section of the carol. This section is slower and more contemplative than the previous two, with Salzedo using a variety of techniques to create a sense of depth and emotion. The harpist plays long, sustained notes and uses a variety of dynamics to create a sense of ebb and flow. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful coda that brings the piece to a gentle close. Overall, Salzedo's "Paraphrase on 'We Three Kings'" is a virtuosic and expressive piece that showcases the full range of the harp's capabilities. Salzedo's use of intricate arpeggios, glissandos, and other techniques creates a sense of movement and momentum that propels the piece forward, while his use of dynamics and phrasing creates a sense of depth and emotion. The piece remains a popular choice for harpists today, and is considered a classic of the harp repertoire.

More....