Dieudonné-Glenn Godefroid (1818-1897)

Dieudonné-Félix Godefroid (1818 -1897) Godefroid was a Belgian harpist who composed pieces for the harp and piano. He was born in Namur and later on moved to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where his father opened a music school. Godefroid attended the Paris Conservatory in 1832 to study harp with François Joseph Naderman and Théodore Labarre. Afterwards, Godefroid pursued a concert career. Starting in 1839, Godefroid began a solo tour throughout all of Europe and the Levant. In 1847, he settled down in Paris and finally made his debut there. Étude de concert en mi bémol mineur pour harpe, or Étude de concert in E flat minor, was published in 1877. With this piece, one is left marvelling at the range of effects obtainable as well as the fluidity of the line of music. This composition is distinguishably by its simple poetry and easy sounding virtuosity,
He studied at the Conservatoires of Besancon, Strasburg and Paris, where he won a first prize for harp. He was engaged as a soloist in the Orchestre Philarmonique de Radio-France, while pursuing a composing career as well. Today, he is one of the leading composers of music for the harp. He writes in a variety of styles for harpists of all skill levels, and has developed his own notation style and countless special harp effects. Aside from that, Andrès is also a note-worthy teacher who has influenced an entire new generation of French harpists. Absidioles is a contemporary work with a unique and exotic sound. The interesting harmonies and different contrast in moods from each section makes the piece unique. In this piece, the performer is required to do a little of everything: arpeggios, glissandos, single and double harmonics in one hand, etc. Absidioles are small apses, or a large semicircular recess in a church, arched or with a domed roof, usually containing the altar. The composition shows a lot of dramatic sections that contribute to the feeling of its