French harpist Anaëlle Tourret released her first album, Perspectives, on November 12 on the Es-Dur label. Tourret is the solo harpist of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg, Germany. We caught up with Tourret to find out more about her album.
How did you come up with the idea for your new album? How does the music reflect the title, Perspectives?
This program is deeply rooted in my musical journey and has marked it throughout the years.
These four composers [Caplet, Hindemith, Britten, and Holliger], through their compositions, opened up new sound palettes and possibilities for the harp. I needed to share those musical works with the audience to offer a new perspective of the instrument.
I want to change the commonly shared view of the harp being a salon or fairy tale instrument. Opening new perspectives is about transcending the established orders of things. I consider it a mission as an artist.
Tell us about the process of recording your first solo CD. What did you learn and enjoy during that experience?
This recording took place in a particular health context that we all know. It was both a solitary adventure by necessity and surprisingly collegial, as I was able to count on the precious support of musical and artistic personalities that I cherish. This richness of sharing moments around scores, writings, reflections, and images nourished me during all this time.
Do you have a favorite track on the album?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that one of these pieces has my preference, but more that each one reflects in its way a period of life, encounters, and different geographical locations. I think that’s what makes this album special, the original aspect of each piece—in its writing and what it represents in my eyes.
For more information, check out our Q&A with Tourret from 2020. The album is available to order or download here.
