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Harp

The harp is one of the oldest plucked string instrument. Triangular in shape, all the cords extend perpendicular to the base of his body.

A bit of history...

The origin of the harp is probably related to the pluck of the hunter bow string. The survivor's illustrations of the use of the harp in antiquity dates back to the Middle East and Egypt since year 3000 b.C. The harps dating from the 18th century were small and had few strings, which limited the issuance of notes. They were constructed from wood, and the ropes could be made from a variety of materials such as guts, horsehair, brass, bronze or silk.


Harp built by Georgio Offman, 1739

Harps were being transformed over time becoming larger, and further more strings and acquiring pedals to further increase its lenght (amount of notes). 

The modern harp is an instrument quite complex. It has 47 strings, 11 being the low notes of metal and the other of gut, and seven pedals. Currently, the harp is also one of the instruments that make up the orchestra.



Harp built by Sébastien Érard, 1819

 

Watch the video below to learn more about the harp.