Translated into English, this piece is called  ‘Christmas Story’. It is not a literal retelling on the birth of Christ but relies on our own imagination to supply any extra-musical significance and meaning to the music. 

It is, however, a very beautiful piece of harp writing by one who knew exactly how to write evocatively for the instrument.

Hasselmans became Professor of Harp at the Paris Conservatoire and he numbered among his students some of the finest and most influential players and teachers of the 20th century. Indeed I can trace my own harp playing technique lineage back to him through my own teachers and their teachers. 

This helps me to feel a strong connection with and empathy for the style. Eager to increase the teaching material and solo repertoire  for the instrument, Hasselmans wrote many salon type pieces for harp and this piece is one such. 

Although the depth of sound of my David concert harp would have been unknown to Hasselmans, I feel that it is ideal for conveying the range of tone and dynamic in this piece.