Pentacle: The Story of Carlos Salzedo and the Harp

Carlos Salzedo, (1885—1961), was one of the seminal harpists of the twentieth century. Born in France, he came to American in 1909 to play under Toscanini at the Metropolitan Opera. A man of prodigious talent, he went on to radically change the image of the instrument and its capabilities. His compositions for the harp have become standards of the repertoire. A renowned teacher, he started the harp department at the Curtis Institute of Music. His many students have gone on to principal positions in the leading American orchestras and to teach at conservatories, colleges and universities throughout the country. But Salzedo’s interests and influence went beyond the harp itself, as he was at the forefront of the post WW I contemporary music scene in New York City. This account, written by Salzedo’s student and colleague Marietta Bitter, recounts his remarkable life story. She gives us the fascinating details of his professional and personal life, as well as the kind of intimate detail only possible from a close friend who was herself an eye witness to many of the events she describes. An indispensable book for those interested in the history of the harp, it will also fascinate readers looking to expand their understanding of the development of our American classical music scene.