History of the Harp Instrument
Harps are musical instruments whose strings run perpendicular to its neck. A harpist plucks the strings from both sides.
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Ancient Harps
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The oldest known harps appeared in Mesopotamia around 1900 B.C. These are called open harps because they do not have a forepillar (of wood) after the longer strings to help support the frame. Open harps came to be used in Asia and Africa.
Medieval Harps
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The frame harp was developed in the Middle Ages. There are three types: the Irish harp, (similar to the modern Celtic harp), the Gothic harp (with a curved forepillar) and a lighter harp with a shorter forepillar. These are the forerunners of modern concert harps.
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Chromatic Harps
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As polyphonic music developed, it required instruments be able to raise and lower notes easily. Another row of strings was added to the harp in the 17th century, and these were tuned to the chromatic (sharp and flat) notes. This was called the double harp.
Hook Harps
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Germans invented a harp with hooks in the late 17th century. The hooks could be turned to raise or lower the pitch of a string. This made the harp lighter and required fewer strings, but the harpist's hand had to be free long enough to turn the hook.
Pedal Harps
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Harpmakers in France and Bavaria created a harp that had pedals connected to the hooks. Now the harpist could keep both hands on the strings while their feet changed the pitch of the strings. This development dates to the early 18th century.
The Modern Harp
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Modern harps still use the pedals. Harpists pluck the strings in the middle instead of near the soundboard as they did with earlier harps. A lighter harp made with modern materials was introduced by the Camac company in 1996. The strings on this harp fan out, especially in the higher notes, and this makes the harp easier to play.
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- Photo Credit Tabitum, Eamonn, Beige alert
