Marie-Pierre Langlamet: Schubert

Marie-Pierre Langlamet is the principal harpist for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. She recently joined forces with Canadian violinist Lara St. John for a novel take on Bach on Bach Sonatas (Ancalagon, 2012). On Schubert Langlamet takes the helm of a project, released on Lara St. John's label Ancalagon Records, focusing on the music of Franz Schubert where, in place of the composer's piano, she uses her harp as the harmony instrument, not unlike the vibraphone replacing the piano in jazz ensembles.

The recording contains several Schubert settings: lieder, violin sonatas, and a piano trio. The Piano Trio in B-Flat Major D. 28 offers Langlamet, St. John, and Berlin Philharmonic cellist Ludwig Quandt a music environment in which to perform, exist, as only Schubert could. Schubert stood at the foot of the Romantic period and indeed got a bit on his shoes. But much of the composer's music retained a bright classical sheen. St. John takes an almost Baroque approach to her playing, drawing as much from Vivaldi as any later violinist. Quandt provides the low string end of things, providing solid support and delicate filigree to the musings of the composer. It is Langlamet, whose superb transcription and articulation of the piece gives it a new life. This piece is one of the earliest compositions of Schubert, brimming with a sparkling classicism well played here.