WHAT IS A HARP?
The harp is thought to be the oldest stringed instrument on earth –
perhaps, evolving from the bow and arrow. (Museum pieces extant
date back 2000 BC.) A harp is a triangle-framed structure comprised
of a box; neck and pillar. The strings span the center of the frame,
perpendicular to the box; are made of steel, gut and nylon
and are plucked with the fingers. Different tunings are achieved by
either hand-levers on the neck or foot-pedals at the base.
Some form of harp has existed in most cultures throughout history –
called by diverse names: Africa - Kora, Greece - Kithara, Japan - Koto,
China - Kong Hou, South America - Arpa, Scotland - Clarsach, citing only a
few. The Irish harp, also known as Celtic or lever harp dates back
over 1,000 years. The pedal harp was invented in Bavaria in the early
1700’s and became the familiar "orchestra harp."
Tuning
The tuning depends on the type of harp. Most harps are tuned
diatonic (as the white keys on a piano.) Chromatics are made by
levers or pedals. Levers raise the pitch one semi-tone. Pedals raise
and lower the pitch in three semi-tone, increments, achieving all
sharp, flat, natural positions. In the act of tuning, strings are
tightened or loosened with a hand-wrench, or “harp-key.”
Range
In the harp's vast diversity of range (a six 1/2 octave span, overall) the
smallest harps are played on the lap; medium, set on a table; large,
set on the floor. Harps can have as few as 9 - 19 strings or as many
as 47. Lap harp ranges of 22 strings may extend a bit more than one
octave below middle C. Larger harps, of 34 strings or more, have at
least two octaves below middle C. Concert-grand pedal harps are the
largest with 47 strings. Semi-grand pedal harps are a bit shorter, with
46-47 strings. Petite-model pedal harps have 44 strings and are more
portable. The largest lever harps have as many as 38-40 strings but a
common range for a lever floor-harp is 34 to 36 strings (five octaves.)
Music
The harp has a long legacy of being a solo instrument able to
play melody, harmony and rhythm. Depending on
the preferred playing-style, the right hand plays the melody while the
left hand adds chords and rhythm lines. Harp music can also
accompany voice and spoken word (poetry; prose in the ancient
bardic tradition.) 20th century orchestras featured the harp
ornamentally. In the last thirty years, a global Renaissance of
the harp has returned it to its noble prominence.
Amidst endless variety, innovation and historical reformation in
musical genres, the harp movement advances. From Beatles to Bach;
Renaissance to Rock; World to Sacred; Pop to Classical; Jazz and
numerous ethnic styles (Asian, Latin, Celtic), the aesthetic beauty and
emotional appeal of the Harp continue to build its fascinating and
majestic story.
The harp is thought to be the oldest stringed instrument on earth –
perhaps, evolving from the bow and arrow. (Museum pieces extant
date back 2000 BC.) A harp is a triangle-framed structure comprised
of a box; neck and pillar. The strings span the center of the frame,
perpendicular to the box; are made of steel, gut and nylon
and are plucked with the fingers. Different tunings are achieved by
either hand-levers on the neck or foot-pedals at the base.
Some form of harp has existed in most cultures throughout history –
called by diverse names: Africa - Kora, Greece - Kithara, Japan - Koto,
China - Kong Hou, South America - Arpa, Scotland - Clarsach, citing only a
few. The Irish harp, also known as Celtic or lever harp dates back
over 1,000 years. The pedal harp was invented in Bavaria in the early
1700’s and became the familiar "orchestra harp."
Tuning
The tuning depends on the type of harp. Most harps are tuned
diatonic (as the white keys on a piano.) Chromatics are made by
levers or pedals. Levers raise the pitch one semi-tone. Pedals raise
and lower the pitch in three semi-tone, increments, achieving all
sharp, flat, natural positions. In the act of tuning, strings are
tightened or loosened with a hand-wrench, or “harp-key.”
Range
In the harp's vast diversity of range (a six 1/2 octave span, overall) the
smallest harps are played on the lap; medium, set on a table; large,
set on the floor. Harps can have as few as 9 - 19 strings or as many
as 47. Lap harp ranges of 22 strings may extend a bit more than one
octave below middle C. Larger harps, of 34 strings or more, have at
least two octaves below middle C. Concert-grand pedal harps are the
largest with 47 strings. Semi-grand pedal harps are a bit shorter, with
46-47 strings. Petite-model pedal harps have 44 strings and are more
portable. The largest lever harps have as many as 38-40 strings but a
common range for a lever floor-harp is 34 to 36 strings (five octaves.)
Music
The harp has a long legacy of being a solo instrument able to
play melody, harmony and rhythm. Depending on
the preferred playing-style, the right hand plays the melody while the
left hand adds chords and rhythm lines. Harp music can also
accompany voice and spoken word (poetry; prose in the ancient
bardic tradition.) 20th century orchestras featured the harp
ornamentally. In the last thirty years, a global Renaissance of
the harp has returned it to its noble prominence.
Amidst endless variety, innovation and historical reformation in
musical genres, the harp movement advances. From Beatles to Bach;
Renaissance to Rock; World to Sacred; Pop to Classical; Jazz and
numerous ethnic styles (Asian, Latin, Celtic), the aesthetic beauty and
emotional appeal of the Harp continue to build its fascinating and
majestic story.
Harpist - Cynthia Artish
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