The David Watkins Collection VOLUME XIX
Philip Jacob Meyer (1737-1819)

Variations on a theme of Spohr
from the Opera Faust
Edited by David Watkins

A fine harpist, composer and harp maker whose first studies were with Christian Hochbrucker and then came to Paris where his virtuoso playing was acclaimed at the Famous ‘Concert Spirituel’. In 1763, he published one of his first Methods for the harp entitled ‘An Essay on the Correct Manner of Playing the Harp’; the English version was published in 1774. His son, Fréderic-Charles (also a harpist) credits his father with introducing the pedal harp to London in 1772 at a concert in the Hanover Square Rooms. The arrangement of this beautiful aria was published by Birchall and Co, 140 New Bond Street, London, and is a testament of his exceptional creativity and musicianship. Mozart was Louis Spohr’s musical god and this Aria is certainly a reflection of Mozart’s genius. These variations, of medium difficulty, will be an important addition to the solo harpist’s repertoire.

Professor David Watkins

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