The Harp

The modern day harp achieved its present design in 1810 and consists of a hollow, resonating frame which supports a number of stretched strings whose pitch depends on their length.  Attached to the frame are 7 pedals which are used to adjust the length of the strings.  The 7 pedals correspond to the 7 notes A to G and each string can be tuned flat, natural or sharp, thus allowing all the possible notes of the chromatic scale to be played.

The Harp is plucked with both hands whilst the feet control the pedals.  It has a quiet, pure tone which has little melodic value in the orchestra and it is largely used to produce special effects which no other instrument can provide.  Glissandos, chords and arpeggios are all part of the Harp's repertoire.

The Harp can be heard extensively in Celtic folk music, but on the Classical Scene there are only a handful of pieces in which the Harp plays a major role.  These include Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique', Debussy's 'La Mer' and Ginostera's Harp Concerto.