Carlos Salzedo Papers

Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961) was a French harpist, pianist, composer and conductor. He began playing piano by the age of three, and wrote and published his first composition, a polka called Moustique (Mosquito), when he was five years old. At twelve years old he began studying the harp, and within a year was accepted as a harp student in the Paris Conservatoire. In 1909, Arturo Toscanini invited Salzedo to play in the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, and Salzedo moved to New York. From the 1920s onward, Salzedo appeared regularly as a soloist with orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, and on tour as a recitalist, harp ensemble leader and flute-harp-cello trio member. Salzedo is regarded by many as one of history's greatest harpists, and he was a highly regarded pianist, conductor, and teacher as well. His transcriptions and compositions were original and well abreast of the latest musical developments. He was a progressive spirit, seeking new tonal resources in the improved harp of his day manufactured by Lyon & Healy. Salzedo taught hundreds of students during his career, and inspired other composers with his unique works and style of playing.