Suite for Harp

‘Very rich, and quite often ecstatic’ was how Osian Ellis described Benjamin Britten’s Suite for Harp, an attractive piece in five movements which explores the instrument’s full expressive range. Composed for Ellis in 1969, and now considered one of the cornerstones of 20th-century harp repertoire, this 14-minute work features a majestic ‘Overture’, nervous ‘Toccata’, an atmospheric ‘Nocturne’ and a quicksilver ‘Fugue’. As an extra tribute to Ellis, the Theme and Variations which closes the Suite draws upon the Welsh hymn tune St Denio.