Harp Column Blogs: Alexander RiderArchive

The English harpist, writer and composer, John Marson, died on Sunday 4th February in London, after a brief illness.

I only knew John towards the end of his life, but it is nonetheless difficult to confine my respect and affection for this splendid man to words. John was a great musican and a real pro, admired as much for his fine musicianship as for his simple kindness, professional courtesy and vast intellect. And what humour! John had his opinions, but never were they expressed in anyway other than complete dignity an succintness

Above all, John's scholarly commitment to researching all aspects of the harp, and almost total [harp] recall was simply stunning. Reading a book or article of John's is always a joy and a reveleation.

From my very beginnings on the harp, I remember my teacher Frances Kelly speaking about him with such respect and fondness. So, it was with great pleasure that I met John when I began study with Gabriella Dall'Olio in London, in whose home he was a frequent guest. What a thrill to finish the lesson and enjoy dinner with a mine of harpistic information! The date of this publication, that harpist's background...a bit of innocent gossip?

Gabriella, a great friend and neighbour to John, will surely miss him terribly. We, as harpists, often find we must be wary of our colleagues and rivals, but what friendships occur in the absence of this enmity! It is a lesson to us all.

So many of John's colleagues, some of whom having known him for decades (English national opera's Alison Martin for one who gave a fantastic speech) have said many more beautfiul and meaningful things than I ever could, and I leave to those who best remeber him to list his many achievements, to recall John in his prime.

I at least knew John Marson well enough to be inspired by John Marson, his love for the harp and for music.