Search - Sophia Corri :: Sophia Giustina Corri: Works For Solo Harp

In the golden years of the harp (1750-1850), Sophia Giustina Corri was the only important woman composer. She left a body of about 70 compositions, including original pieces; variations (principally of Scottish airs); arrangements for harp, fortepiano, harp & fortepiano duo; and some rare arrangements for voice and harp or voice and guitar. The sonata for fortepiano was presumably composed when she was 15, and the six sonatas for harp, Op. 2 (Books 1 and 2) when she was between 16 and 19. The first volume of sonatas is the only one still in print and performed today, although for many years it was erroneously attributed to Jan Ladislav. Already in these first sonatas one can find the typical characteristics of her music: the brilliance and freshness of her writing, the originality of many passages, and a great sense of proportion that ensures that no theme--even the least original--wearies the listener. There is no evidence of presumption, vanity, or desire for grandeur; instead, there emerges a desire to sing and make music simply and sincerely.