Lectures 2008

Lecture I: Pat Mead. Bitton House, 26^th of February, 2:00 pm

The intellectual atmosphere, the historic background, and cultural landscape of Teignmouth at the time of Elias Parish Alvars' youth

Local historian Pat Meed has brought together a colourful picture of Teignmouth at the time of Elias Parish Alvars, when the harpist still lived in Teignmouth and his father would become the organist at St. James's Church. He was born at Wellington Street No. 10 and most likely played his first recitals at Bitton House. We will catch a glimpse of his childhood, his neighbourhood, and the intellectual influences that helped create this prodigy musician.

Lecture II: Floraleda Sacchi. Bitton House, 26^th of February, 4:00 pm

Elias Parish Alvars - A Romantic Artist and Heroe

Introducing Parish Alvars is a vast and complex task. The first problem is his personality: his travels were fully reported by the press of the time, but, by using fictitious names in order to create his own character, Eli Parish (also known as Albert Alvars or Elias Parish Alvars) succeeded in hiding many aspects of his life. Another complex question is the historical period in which our protagonist lived: those were years full of social and political changes, with obvious repercussions on the artistic field. While in the preceding centuries a musician was at the service of a lord, now the artist was in full charge of his own creativity and could promote his own works and ideas. The third change, of fundamental importance, is the birth of the modern harp, both from the constructive and technical point of view. These elements, together with Parish Alvars’ ambition, curiosity, love of luxury and adventure, made it possible for the humble Devonshire boy to shine, like a firework, in the European musical panorama as the perfect synthesis of the romantic artist and hero, just as only Liszt and Byron could.

Lecture III: Dr. Markus Bandur. Bitton House, 27^th of February, 4:00 pm

Between Entertainment and Religion: Concert programming around 1830

In the first half of the 19th century, concert life in Europe evolved from a mainly aristocratic institution to an event of the bourgeois society. It is characterized by professional musicians and ritualized listening. Elias Parish Alvars's concerts in the 1830's illustrate this time of transition and reflect the social functions of music at the time. The concert on the 27th is typical example of this new style of programming, including the order of music and musicians.

Lecture IV: Dr. Ann Yeung. Bitton House, 28^th of February, 4:00 pm

What Makes Elias Parish Alvars Outstanding amongst Harpists-Composers

An introduction to the colorful and fascinating history of the harp and influential harpists from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the twentieth century. The outstanding achievements and influence of Parish Alvars as a virtuoso, composer, and teacher amongst his predecessors, peers, and successors will be discussed. Like his infamous teacher, R.N.C. Bochsa, Parish Alvars embraced and championed the newly invented double-action (modern) pedal harp. Parish Alvars expanded the harp's musical vocabulary and visibility, and major harp schools developed throughout the world because of the efforts of his students.