Poenitz – Der Fischer, op. 28, Ballade by Goethe for high voice and harp

Der Fischer (The Fisherman), 10 pages

Difficulty 9-10

Franz Poenitz was the oldest of the three harpists (the other two being Posse and Holý) employed by the busy Berlin Royal Court Orchestra at the end of the 19th century, and is barely remembered today, despite his wide range as a “complete musician” who also contributed greatly to another rare instrument, the harmonium. His music was conservative, in a heavy chordal style reminiscent of Brahms. But he was also a visionary taken with spooky harmonies, old myths and medieval lore, and who projected unique musical ideas onto his compositions.