The Harp: An Ancient and Noble Instrument
"The harp speaks to the heart unlike any other instrument – I try to unlock that magic in my music."
Hector Berlioz
The harp is one of the world's oldest stringed instruments, with a history spanning back to around 4000 B.C. Harp-like instruments have been found in southern Mespotamia and ancient Egypt. These were simple bow-shaped instruments with just a few strings. Over the centuries, harps evolved from basic structures into more complex framed harps with the development and use of the various components that make up the instrument. In Europe, gut began to be used for the strings, making it possible to vary the tones and pitch of notes.
The addition of the column or pillar on the harp was introduced in Medieval Western Europe between the 8th and 10th centuries AD. This meant that with a rigid, triangular frame, more strings could be added to the harp, allowing greater tension and stability of pitch, a wider range of notes and flexability of dynamics.
Later innovations were focused on mechanisms within the column and neck to change the pitch of the strings:
Early Mechanization
In the late 17th century in Germany, hooks were added to diatonic harps to manually change the pitch of individual strings.
Single-Action Pedal Harp
The first primitive pedal harps were developed in the Tyrol region of Austria, with a link mechanism connecting pedals to the hooks via a rod running through the column. This was improved by Jacob Hochbrucker around 1720.
Double-Action Pedal Harp
The modern double-action mechanism, which uses rotating discs (fourchettes) to raise the pitch of a string by one or two half steps, was patented by Sébastien Érard around 1810. While the general credit is given to Erard, a recently rediscovered harp by Georges Cousineau suggests a similar invention may have existed earlier in the 1780s.
From ancient civilizations to modern concert halls, the harp has captivated audiences with its ethereal sound and elegant presence. Its distinctive triangular shape and cascading strings create music that is both powerful and delicate, making it a favourite in orchestras, solo performances, and therapeutic settings.
Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of a concert grand pedal harp or the intimate charm of a Celtic folk harp, each instrument offers a unique musical journey. The harp's versatility allows it to excel in classical music, folk traditions, jazz, and contemporary genres.
Types of Harps
Harps come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for different musical styles and playing techniques. Understanding the different types can help you choose the perfect instrument for your musical journey.
Concert Grand Pedal Harps
The largest and most sophisticated harps, standing around 6 feet tall with 47 strings. With an extended soundboard, a pedal harp has over 2,000 moving parts! Seven pedals allow the harpist to change the pitch of strings, enabling performance in any key. These are the harps you'll see in symphony orchestras and professional concert settings.
Celtic & Folk Harps
These are smaller, more portable harps typically ranging from 22 to 38 strings. These harps don't have pedals but may feature levers or blades to change string pitches. Perfect for folk music, Celtic traditions, and smaller, more intimate performances.
Electric Harps
Modern instruments that combine traditional harp techniques with electronic amplification and effects. These harps open up new possibilities for contemporary music, jazz, and experimental compositions.
Therapy Harps
Smaller, lightweight harps specifically designed for music therapy and healing applications. These instruments are easy to transport and play, making them ideal for hospitals, care facilities, and therapeutic settings.
Learning to Play
The harp is surprisingly accessible for beginners, despite its impressive appearance. Unlike many instruments, the harp produces beautiful sounds from the very first lesson. The plucking technique is intuitive, and simple melodies can be learned quickly.
Most students start with a lever harp (22-34 strings) before potentially advancing to a pedal harp. Regular practice of 30-45 minutes daily typically yields significant progress within the first year. Many players find the harp's gentle learning curve and immediate musical rewards particularly encouraging.
Professional instruction from a qualified and experienced harpist is highly recommended, as proper finger technique and posture are crucial for both musical development and the prevention of injury. Many music schools, conservatoires and private instructors offer harp lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Famous Harp Manufacturers
Several renowned manufacturers have been crafting exceptional harps for generations, each bringing their own expertise and distinctive sound qualities to the instrument.
Lyon & Healy (USA) has been America's foremost harp maker since 1889, known for their concert grand harps used by major orchestras worldwide. The Lyon and Healy harps have a distinctive, warm resonance that matures and becomes richer with age and playing.
Salvi Harps (Italy) combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with innovative design, creating instruments renowned for their bright, rich tone and elegant appearance.
Camac Harps (France) pushes the boundaries of harp design with both traditional and avant-garde instruments, including electric and carbon fibre harps. Their harps can now be seen in many of the Opera houses and concert halls throughout Europe. Their customer service and after-care for their harps is exceptional.
Horngacher Harps (Germany) founded in Munich, Germany, in 1926, by Josef Obermeyer, the company was taken over by Max Horngacher in 1966 and it is now run by his son, Klaus. A small company, their harps are world renowned for their exquisite quality and level of workmanship, beautiful and distinctive sound and are to be found in orchestras and on concert platforms the world over.
Makers of non-pedal harps include:
Mark Norris Harps - a harp maker based in Peebles in Scotland, these harps are renowed and sought after for their beautiful quality of workmanship and superb sound. All hand made, Mark Norris has developed his own unique lever system to satisfy the demands of the most skilful and demanding of Clarsach players. He uses different woods to enhance the appearance and sound of each of his unique and stunning harps.
Pilgrim Harps (U.K) based in Surrey, England, and set up in 1980, the Pilgrim Clarsach was the first harp developed by this company and is still one of their best- sellers, renowned for its sturdiness and reliability and lovely, resonant sound. The range of Pilgrim harps has extended from lever harps to pedal harp and electro- acoustic models. There is a harp for every budget.
The Harp in Modern Music
Today's harp extends far beyond classical music. Contemporary harpists like Deborah Henson-Conant, Catrin Finch, and Máire Ní Chathasaigh have pioneered new techniques and expanded the instrument's repertoire into jazz, world music, and experimental genres.
The harp's therapeutic qualities have also gained recognition in medical and wellness settings. Music therapy programs increasingly incorporate harps for their calming effects and accessibility to patients with varying abilities.
Whether you're interested in classical performance, folk traditions, therapeutic applications, or contemporary innovation, the harp offers endless possibilities for musical expression and personal fulfilment.