A survey of the harp writing of Benjamin Britten with an emphasis on a Ceremony of Carols, Suite for Harp, and a Birthday Hansel

Benjamin Britten has written solo and chamber works for the harp which extend harp technique and contribute to a twentieth century public awareness of the instrument. Unlike the majority of harp composers, Britten was internationally known and not a harpist himself. His works form a large part of all contemporary harp literature, yet his solo work and composition for harp and high voice are rarely played because of their difficulty. An examination of A Ceremony of Carols (1942), Suite for Harp (1969), and A Birthday Hansel (1975), will illustrate his contribution to harp performance and technique, and will serve as a valuable resource for harpists.Lecture Recital Document (Digitized from holdings at the Fine Arts Library, University of Arizona Libraries