"The Swiss harpist Julia Wacker, who specializes in modern and contemporary music, introduces her new CD with the powerfully rhythmic sounds of the opening Allegro movement of the Krenek Sonata.
The Vivace, the third movement also stands out for this energetic approach, making the Adagio all the more serene. This somewhat austere sonata contrasts with the dazzling music of the two Impromptus by Jean Cras. These two pieces are interpreted by Julia Wacker just as sensitively as the Divertissement by André Caplet.
In between, the harpist plays the Sonata by the Italian Casella (1882-1947), who was profoundly influenced by his studies in Paris, which is also evident in Wacker’s interpretation. Finding the right pace is crucial to the narrative effect, and Julia Wacker succeeds very well. The Britten suite also thrives on this communicative rhetoric.
The harp piece Prelude, Arioso and Passacaglia by Heinz Holliger was written in 1987 and dedicated to Holliger’s wife Ursula.
The delicate, fluid Prelude precedes a thoughtful Arioso, which is then followed by the Passacaglia with 25 variations over 5 notes. Julia Wacker also plays this work very expressively."
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