A contemporary source described Charles Oberthür as "the leading harpist in Britain, and on the Continent he is held in the highest esteem."
Oberthür was born and raised in Germany but at the age of just 25 he settled in England. In 1861 he became the first Professor of Harp at the RAM. He died in London aged 76.
He composed prolifically, flooding the market with a constant stream of harp pieces, original and arranged, Le Sylphe and Le Papillon among the former, and the Gounod Ave Maria and Serenade among the latter. However, there are a handful of orchestral works too.
Overture Rubezahl (1867)
The German folklore figure Rübezahl, a mountain spirit, was used repeatedly as an inspiration in music at this time. Oberthür's offering is fairly 'run of the mill' with perhaps an excessive use of phrase repetition evident in this sample.
SAMPLE: Overture Rubezahl - from start
Lorely (1870)
Another German legend arguably even more popular was Lorely. A beautiful maiden throws herself into the Rhine River in despair over a faithless lover and is transformed into a siren. In this piece Oberthür puts the harp centre stage after a brief introduction.
SAMPLE: Lorely
Ein Winternachstraum 1885
Oberthür's best orchestral work is undoubtedly 'A Winter's Night Dream' after Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale. The dramatic opening sets the tone for the rest of the work.
SAMPLE: Ein Winternachstraum - slow introduction
Much of the writing in the Allegro is Mendelssohn inspired as is the case with a great deal of english music from this period. However, there is a great rhythmic drive in Ein Winternachstraum and coupled with more adventurous harmonic writing, all in all it makes for an attractive work.
Much of the writing in the Allegro is Mendelssohn inspired as is the case with a great deal of english music from this period. However, there is a great rhythmic drive in Ein Winternachstraum and coupled with more adventurous harmonic writing, all in all it makes for an attractive work.
SAMPLE: Ein Winternachstraum - Allegro
