Is the Harp Used in Folk Music?
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Many people think of the harp as a classical instrument, but it can actually be used in a variety of genres, including folk music. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of the harp in folk music and some of the ways it can be used to create beautiful melodies.
What is the Harp?
The Harp is a musical instrument which has a long history dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. The harp is a stringed instrument and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.
The Harp’s History
The harp is a stringed instrument which has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe. The word “harp” comes from the Old English hearpe and the Old Norse harpa.
The earliest depictions of harps date back to 3,000 BCE, and they continued to be used throughout the ancient world by the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Celts. Though the Chinese had developed their own type of harp by the 1st century BCE, it was not until the Middle Ages that this instrument began to spread to other parts of Asia.
The history of the harp in Europe is closely intertwined with that of the Celtic peoples. Celtic harps were first mentioned in writing by Roman historian Tacitus in his work Germania, which was written around 98 CE. These instruments likely reached their height of popularity during the Middle Ages, when they were played by professional musicians known as minstrels.
The modern concert harp is a direct descendant of medieval Celtic instruments, though it has undergone significant changes over the centuries. Today, this elegant instrument continues to be used in a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to jazz and everything in between.
The Harp Today
The harp is a popular instrument in a variety of genres, from classical and jazz to rock and roll. Harps come in all shapes and sizes, from small lap harps to grand concert pedal harps. And while the harp has been around for centuries, it is always evolving. Today’s harps are louder and more versatile than ever before.
If you’re interested in learning to play the harp, there are many resources available, including online lessons, books, and DVDs. You can also find a local teacher or attend a workshop. There are a variety of music festivals that feature folk music from around the world, and many of these festivals include workshops on traditional instruments like the harp.
Harp in Folk Music
The use of the harp in folk music can be seen as far back as the 11th century. In Ireland and Scotland, the harp was used as a symbol of national pride. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the harp began to be used in folk music in the United States. The harp has a very unique sound that can be used to create a variety of different genres of music.
The Celtic Harp
The Celtic harp is a triangular harp traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It is also known as the folk harp or the Irish harp. The Celtic harp has a very distinctive sound that is perfect for folk music.
There are many different types of Celtic harps, but they all have a few things in common. They typically have between 19 and 30 strings, and they are played with the fingertips of the player’s left hand. The right hand is used to pluck the strings.
Celtic harps come in many different sizes, but they are all quite portable. This makes them perfect for folk musicians who want to be able to take their instrument with them wherever they go.
If you’re interested in playing the Celtic harp, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find books, online lessons, and even classes in some areas.
The Folk Harp
The folk harp is a descendant of the ancient Celtic harp, and like its predecessor, it has a triangular frame and a series of gut or nylon strings stretched across it. The folk harp is smaller than the Celtic harp, however, and typically has between 19 and 36 strings. It is also less ornate, with a simpler design that is often decorated with Celtic knots or other folk motifs.
The folk harp is played with the hands and fingers, using a variety of techniques including strumming, picking, and plucking. The music that is played on the folk harp can be either vocal or instrumental, and often has a mellow, soothing quality. Many folk harpers also play other instruments, such as the violin or mandolin, and their music often incorporates elements of both Celtic and Folk styles.
The Appalachian Dulcimer
The Appalachian dulcimer is a type of fretted string instrument popular among folk musicians in the United States. The dulcimer is usually played with the violin, viola, or cello, and sometimes with the guitar. The dulcimer has a unique sound that is different from any other string instrument.
Harp in Other Genres
The harp is a stringed instrument which has been around for centuries, and it has been used in a wide variety of music genres. The harp has a unique sound which can add a lot of depth and feeling to a song. While the harp is commonly associated with folk music, it can also be used in other genres such as classical, pop, and rock.
The Harp in Classical Music
The harp is perhaps most commonly associated with classical music, and has been used in this genre for centuries. The instrument is particularly popular in symphonic works, and can add a beautiful, ethereal quality to the music. Many well-known classical pieces feature the harp prominently, such as George Frideric Handel’s “The Messiah” and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”
The Harp in Jazz
While the harp is not a traditional jazz instrument, it has been used by a number of well-known jazz musicians over the years. The most notable of these is Dorothy Ashby, who was one of the first harpists to successfully integrate the instrument into the jazz idiom. Ashby was active in the 1950s and 1960s, and her use of the harp helped to redefine what was possible with the instrument. Since then, a number of other jazz harpists have followed in her footsteps, including Lori Andrews, Alice Coltrane, and Edmar Castaneda.
The Harp in Pop and Rock
The Harp is not a typical instrument you would find in a Pop or Rock band. However, there are a few popular songs that feature the harp prominently. When used in these genres, the harp has a tendency to add a touch of whimsy or elegance to the music.
One of the most famous examples of the harp in pop music is “Dust in the Wind” by American rock band Kansas. The song features lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with the harp playing a simple yet haunting melody. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978 and has since been covered by many artists.
Other examples of the harp in pop and rock music include “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M., “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House, “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan, and “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.
