Harp Column Blogs: Alexander RiderArchive

Here is a little anecdote that the great British orchestral player, Marie Goossens (1894-1991), used to tell. IN the first half of the last century, London harpists enjoyed a great deal of orchestral work. The BBC, for instance,  had little orchestras and bands all over the place.

Well one day, during WWII  the BBC symphony's regular harpist, Sidonie Goossens, was indisposed, as was their second harpist, Jeanne Chevreau. So another of London's orchestral players was engaged instead. She was a Welsh Lady called Glynis Gordon Flete. A gifted harpist, Glynis' regular gig was with the Royal Air force band, with whom she must have been serving in war time.

Dashing to her BBC engagement by tube (that's "subway"  in U.S speak),  the doors of the train she was boarding closed on her, throwing her back onto the platform HARD. A lttle crowd  of concerned people  gathered round Glynis, asking if she needed a doctor. Glynis sat up and mumbled  "No, but I must go and play the harp"- the group decided it was much worse than they first realised and became quite insistent she remained until help arrived. They detained her until Glynis became  frantic at her lateness, and they eventually realised she really WAS  a harpist, and really had to go to work!! I do not know if Glynis made it on time, but it was a great little story!

Well, I think most of you guys know me by now, but my name is Alex Rider, and I have been studying the harp for four years. . And I was so pleased when Kim  Rowe and her high council at Harp column asked me to be one of the blessed-bloggers. So, Here is my first post!

Last Summer, as an 18th birthday present , me and three of my best (non-harpist) friends, saw Joanna Newsom, the harpist and  vocalist, perform live at a festival ( DEFINITELY not the kind with picnics and promenaders) in Wales.

Picture the scene; hot and heavy weather and hundreds of anxious teenagers,  jostling and standing in the August rain, in a field before the famous piece of Gothic victoriana, Baskerville hall (YES, the inspiration for the Sherlock Homles story). Why? To hear- not the latest indie rock darling-of-the-day, but a harpist. I am haunted by the collective tension- almost an audible shiver- I felt among the group when the harp was brought onto the stage. I remember thinking...converse sneakers and "emo" haircuts were the last thing I ever expected to see at a harp recital.  But hey, the harp is moving forwards.