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André Caplet (1878-1925) was born upon a boat underway between the French towns of Le Harve and Honfleur. He studied composition, piano and violin at the Paris Conservatory and was the winner of the 1901 Prix de Rome beating out Ravel for the honor. He subsequently studied conducting with Nikisch and served as conductor of the Boston Opera from 1910 until 1914. Debussy who was a close friend asked Caplet to orchestrate several of his works. Today, if he is remembered at all, it is for these orchestrations. This is unjust, for he was a fine composer in his own right who wrote several very original works. Among them is the Conte Fantastique for Piano or Harp and String Quintet.
This is an entirely original work by a composer who possessed an incredible compositional talent, no doubt the reason that Debussy asked him to orchestrate his works. Not a work for beginners, professionals who present it in concert are sure to find a receptive audience. Experienced amateurs of good ability will also be able to navigate this extraordinary piece. Please be aware when ordering--only the piano part has the string parts and is a piano score. The harp part does not.
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