2/12/24 - Advanced Harp

Today I learned different facts about the history of harps: 

--> They evolved because they needed more pitches as the music got more complicated. 

Chordophone - a stringed instrument. They originated from a hunter bow; bust didn’t have a column, so they couldn’t produce much sound (ex. Lyre, angle). 

All are tuned by tightening a sting knot

• Turkish ceng- they have the soundboards at the top

• Egyptian angled harp 

• Burmese Saigon Gaul: shaped like a boat 

• Asian Table Harp: It is played with plastic on your fingertips and tuned with the triangles that the edge to bend the pitch.

Medical to Renaissance 

• They were the first to add a Column. 

• Welsh Triple Strung Harp: There are three rows of strings.

Early Lever Harps 

• Hook harp: You had hooks to press in to play more than one pitch on the string.

Single Action Pedal Harp

• 5-7 pedals with only one slot 

• Mozart wrote his harp + flute for this type of harp

Sebastian Edard: 

• Invented a technique on the harp and transferred it to the harp. 

• He devised the double action motion, which meant the entire instrument had to be stronger.   

Harp Makers

• Lyon & Healy: American harp makers who made harps much bigger and stronger. 

• Camac: They did not invent electric harps, but they pushed it forward. 

9/30/24 - Advanced Harp

Our Christmas concert piece is a jazzy arrangment of Sliegh Ride. We are listening to both the original and our arrangement. I don't think I have ever sat and listened to the original tune all the way through. I actually really like it. I feel like it embodies jolly Christmas music. I am excited to play our arrangment of the music. In the recording we watched, the decorations made the overall feel more thrilling. The clapping and horn-made horse noises also add a really exciting touch to the piece. 

8/23/24 - Advanced Harp

Yet ANOTHER piece we are playing in harp is called Wade in the Water. I literally cannot remember anything about this song or what it means or even how it goes, so I am excited to listen. As I am listening, it is definitely a little dry as far as the fullness of the song goes, but maybe thats just how this song should be played.  It is however, a jazzy and fun vibe. After listening for a second time and getting my part, I actually really like and I am excited to play the base part. 

8/9/24 - Advanced Harp

Today in harp we listened to a sonota as it is our second piece for our first concert this year. I hope that is romantic and sweet, however, the title does not give me many clues, so I am interested and excited to hear. Honestly, the piece is boring in my opinion. It is a beautiful piece but I feel like I have heard many harp arrangments that are very simular to it. Also, I hope I do not have the base part. After listening, I do like it more and I also like the part I am on. 

7/31/24 - Advanced Harp

Today in harp we listened to the Spanish Dance Harp Quartet we will be playing. I believe it is going to be very fast and have very uneven rhythms. I also believe it will be in 3/4 time signature and in a sharp minor key. After listening, I think the piece is alright. I don't love the part that I as give, however I think their are some cool parts.