The Legend of Henriette Renie
Henriette Renie et la harpe
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Renié’s Pedagogical Philosophy
Renié’s notebooks of meditations shed light on her talent, her pedagogy, and her nature. Let us take a random excerpt:
My life is external by definition, need, and obligation. And it has been so for such a long time! To be a great virtuoso and a great artist, one must not only feel deeply but express what one feels; it is necessary to give unceasingly, to touch others, to move their hearts and souls through contact with one’s own heart and soul, both roused by the music. Is there anything more beautiful than that? When one appears in public, it is necessary for the artist’s entire being to be enveloped in a harmony from which emerges a kind of seduction, an irresistible charm which allows the listener’s soul to experience and to better understand what the artist feels deep inside himself. As a teacher, it is necessary to know how to express, to give oneself, and to seek the point of contact—the “socket” with the pupil’s heart and mind! Once found, it is necessary to send this hidden electricity to him, thereby galvanizing his intellectual, spiritual and sensitive powers. There too, it is necessary to charm, to captivate, to conquer and to tame him in order to then, as one does with clay, mold him, shape him, and “awaken his soul,” so that he becomes aware of himself and is able to feel the current of the Infinite. And since twelve years of age, this has been my life to varying degrees, with transformations and progresses. This is my life and my duty.
The Secret of True Talent
Another time, Renié wrote:
In my opinion, one “takes” the audience in three ways.
The first is through dazzling virtuosity, like Mr. Diemer. . . not through the heart, but through breathtakingly sure virtuosity; for example, through confident musical quality with no emotion.
The second is . . . through bad taste, seeking out the effect which makes the public swoon; one descends toward it and seeks only his success, without concern for the artistic beauty of the work.
The third is passion, which entices the audience with an irresistible dynamism by giving oneself the generosity with which one delivers all that one possesses.
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About the Book
“I am sure harpists throughout the world will love to read this inspiring account of Henriette Renié's life as seen through the eyes of one of her oldest and dearest friends and former students. Available now in this fine English edition prepared with devotion by Jaymee Haefner, this small volume gives the reader a glimpse of the heart and soul of this great harpist and pedagogue.” Susann McDonald ----- “This is truly one of the finest and most detailed compilations of Renié’s life in existence today. It has always been sad to me that Mlle Renié did not receive the tributes via the media that she so truly deserved, probably because of the time in which she lived. For Carlos Salzedo to say, ‘Mlle Renié is higher above all harpists than the heavens above the earth’ is very profound. It is so helpful to the harp world to have the information provided in this book and I will encourage all my students and friends to read it. This book represents many hours and years of careful research and devotion to an important cause.” Linda Wood Rollo ----- "Henriette Renié was one of the most inspirational harpists in history. She set a standard of excellence that harpists for generations will aspire to. This thorough and comprehensive look at Renié’s life and achievements is a treasure, containing information that is imperative to all harpists." Dr. Carrol McLaughlin ----- “The Legend of Henriette Renié is the most extensive resource currently available on the life of this significant artist in the history of the harp whose life reflected, intersected, and influenced many of the artistic and cultural trends in late nineteenth to early-mid-twentieth century France. It is an immeasurable contribution to the harp world and to those who are interested in learning about a person who profoundly affected her chosen profession yet also reflected the cultural and social restrictions of her time." Dr. Ann Yeung ----- “There are so few harpists in the world that each of the great ones leaves an identifiable imprint. Renié has had a far reaching effect on the world of the harp, and the opportunity to learn about her life and philosophy should be part of the education of every serious harpist. She also has much to offer those who consider the place of faith in everyday life.” Anna Vorhes
About the Author
Jaymee Haefner is Professor of Harp at the University of North Texas. During her doctoral studies at Indiana University Bloomington, she studied under Distinguished Professor of Music, Susann McDonald. Jaymee was on the faculty at Indiana University Southeast and the Arts Institute in New Albany, Indiana from 2003 to 2006. She has appeared regularly with several orchestras, including the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra in Kentucky and the Bloomington Pops Orchestra in Indiana. Jaymee was recently featured on their compact disc, Hoagy’s Songs, and has also recorded with the acclaimed baritone Daniel Narducci, and the renowned Paraguayan harpist Alfredo Rolando Ortiz. She appears regularly as a soloist and has performed in San Carlos, Mexico; in Moscow, Russia; and at the World Harp Congress in Prague, Czech Republic. Beginning her harp studies in South Dakota with Anna Vorhes, Jaymee continued her education, obtaining her Bachelor of Music (2000) and Master of Music (2001) degrees from the University of Arizona with Dr. Carrol McLaughlin. During that time, she also performed at a reception for President George H. W. Bush. Jaymee has been the recipient of numerous honors, including a first place Lauréate prize at the Madame Dulova International Harp Competition in Moscow, Russia. She was a winner of the President’s Concerto Competition in Tucson, Arizona, playing Ginastera’s Harp Concerto. In 2003, Jaymee also won the Indiana University Harp Concerto Competition playing Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane.