Pierne Impromptu Caprice op 9

Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) was a French composer, conductor and organist. Although he is primarily remembered today as a conductor, his Impromptu-Caprice is one of the most popular performance pieces in the advanced harp repertoire.

Pierné studied at the Paris Conservatoire and took over the direction of the concert series Concerts Colonne in 1910, which he shaped until 1933. During this time, he conducted the world premiere of Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird", among other works. As a composer, Pierné wrote for a wide variety of ensembles; the Impromptu-Caprice is one of four solo works by the composer.

The work combines many typical characteristics of the French style: striking tempo changes, virtuoso semiquaver figures, brilliant ornamentation and numerous dynamic nuances. The result is a varied piece full of character - a must for harpists on their way into the demanding repertoire.