Harp

Range of harp

Musicians portrayed on pottery found at Chogha Mish archeological site

The Queen's gold lyre from the Royal Cemetery at Ur. C. 2500 BCE. Iraq Museum

Ur lyre

Bishapur zan, AO 26169

Harp is a stringed musical instrument that has a number of individual strings running at an angle to its soundboard; the strings are plucked with the fingers. Harps have been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa, and Europe, dating back at least as early as 3500 BCE. The instrument had great popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, where it evolved into a wide range of variations with more strings and increasingly complex construction techniques.

History

The earliest harps originated in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Ancient Greece, where they evolved from simpler bow-shaped instruments. The harp played a significant role in ancient civilizations as a solo instrument and accompaniment for poetry and songs. Over centuries, the harp underwent numerous modifications in different cultures, leading to the development of distinct types such as the angular harp of ancient Egypt and the lyre of ancient Greece.

In medieval Europe, the harp was associated with the Celtic people and was used in religious and secular music. The Renaissance period saw the harp being further refined with the addition of pedals, which allowed harpists to play in different keys without having to retune the instrument. This innovation led to the creation of the modern pedal harp, which is prominent in orchestral and solo performances today.

Design and Construction

Modern harps vary in size from the small lap harps, which can be played on the lap, to the large pedal harps, which can stand about six feet tall and are used in professional orchestras and solo performances. The main parts of the harp include the soundboard, the strings, and the frame, which consists of the neck, the resonator, or body, and the pillar.

The number of strings on a harp can range from less than twenty to more than ninety. These strings are made from a variety of materials, including gut (often replaced today with synthetic materials), nylon, and metal. The pitch of each string is determined by its length, tension, and mass.

Pedal harps, which are the most complex type of harp, have seven pedals that each control the pitch of a set of strings, allowing the harpist to achieve chromatic alterations and to play in any key.

Playing Techniques

Playing the harp involves using the fingertips to pluck the strings. Harpists can alter the sound of the instrument by changing the point where they pluck the string, by plucking with different amounts of force, or by using various fingering techniques. Some advanced techniques include using the nails to produce a brighter sound or employing glissando, where the harpist slides their fingers across the strings to produce a sweeping sound.

Repertoire and Performers

The harp has a rich repertoire that spans from medieval to contemporary music. It is used in a variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, jazz, and pop. Notable harpists, such as Marcel Grandjany, Carlos Salzedo, and Harpo Marx, have contributed significantly to the instrument's repertoire and popularity.

Cultural Significance

The harp holds a significant place in the folklore and mythology of many cultures. In Celtic mythology, the harp is often associated with the Irish god Dagda, who owned a magical harp capable of controlling men's emotions and changing the seasons. Similarly, in Norse mythology, the god Bragi plays a harp and sings songs that enchant gods and men alike.

Conclusion

The harp is a versatile and enduring instrument that has captivated musicians and audiences for thousands of years. Its unique sound and extensive history make it a fascinating subject for study and an enriching addition to a wide range of musical performances.

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