Salzedo (Salzédo), (León) Carlos

eminent French-born American harpist, pedagogue, and composer; b. Arcachon, France, April 6, 1885; d. Waterville, Maine, Aug. 17, 1961. Salzedo studied at the Bordeaux Conservatory from 1891 to 1894, winning first prize in piano. He then entered the Paris Conservatory, where his father, Gaston Salzédo, was a professor of singing. He studied piano with Charles de Bériot gaining first prize in 1901, and harp with Josef H. Hasselmans, also receiving first prize.

From 1901 to 1905 Salzedo began his career as a concert harpist, traveling all over Europe. He was solo harpist of the Association des Premiers Prix de Paris in Monte Carlo from 1905 to 1909. In 1909 he settled in N.Y. and was first harpist in the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera from 1909 to 1913. In 1913 he formed the Trio de Lutèce (from Lutetia, the ancient name for Paris), with Georges Barrère (flute) and Paul Kéfer (cello).

In 1921 Salzedo was cofounder, with EDGARD VARÈSE, of the International Composers' Guild in N.Y., with the aim of promoting modern music. This organization presented many important new works. In the same year he founded a modern music magazine, Eolian Review, later renamed Eolus (discontinued in 1933). He became an American citizen in 1923.

Salzedo was elected president of the National Association of Harpists and also held teaching positions at the Institute of Musical Art in N.Y. and the Juilliard Graduate School of Music. In addition, he organized and headed the harp department at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 1931 he established the Salzedo Harp Colony at Camden, Maine, for teaching and performing during the summer months.

Salzedo introduced a number of special effects on the harp and published studies for his new techniques. He designed a "Salzedo Model" harp, capable of rendering novel sonorities (Eolian flux and chords, gushing chords, percussion, etc.).

Salzedo's compositions are rhythmically intricate and feature elaborate COUNTERPOINT, requiring a virtuoso technique. He composed for his instrument, including numerous solo pieces and transcriptions, harp ensembles, chamber works with and without voice, and a few CONCERTO and concerto-like works.