Erard, Bochsa and their impact on harp music-making in Australia (1830-1866): an early history from documents.
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Date
2014
Authors
Hallo, Rosemary Margaret
Editors
Advisors
Coaldrake, Kimi
Szuster, Jula
Szuster, Jula
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Thesis
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Abstract
This study traces the emergence of the pedal harp in colonial Australia between 1830 and 1866 through the examination of primary source documents in the form of archival and newspaper resources. It does so by focussing on the dynamic that existed between the harpist Nicolas-Charles Bochsa (1789-1856) and the makers of the double action Erard harp, demonstrating how that relationship had an impact on harp music and music-making in the period under review. The study pursues three intersecting lines of investigation. The first details Sébastien Erard’s ground-breaking development of his double action harp, and the social status it enjoyed in Europe, which was subsequently transplanted to Australia. The second area of investigation outlines Bochsa’s role in raising the profile of the Erard harp. This in turn leads to the third and most pivotal line of enquiry that of the distribution of Erard instruments in Australia, Bochsa’s visit to Sydney, and the role of his disciples in sustaining Bochsa’s legacy in Australia. The performance culture that coalesced around Bochsa and his disciples – incorporating as it did harp pedagogy, performance practice, repertoire, and commercial considerations – is shown to be a significant component of the social and cultural life of colonial Australia.
School/Discipline
Elder Conservatorium of Music
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, 2014
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This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals