 For many people, harp music conjures up visions of either heavenly angels or the curly blonde-haired Marx Brother, Harpo. But in Scotland, the Scottish harp or Clarsach (lever harp) is a national instrument known from ancient times. Under the Clan system, the harpists had several functions amongst which was accompanying the Chief into battle, playing for ceremonial occasions and for making soothing music for clan members as they lay down to rest. Harpists were part of Court life during the reign of King James l. For information on the harp the National Museum of Scotland has an instrument made in the 15th century said to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. Playing harp music to a certain level of proficiency was part of the necessary accomplishments of an educated person.
Check out our harp music CDs and harp music books.
There are 3 different types of harp instrument. The lever harp which is commonly found in folk music - Scottish music and Irish music and is relatively transportable, the pedal harp which as the name says has pedals rather than levers which allow it to play chromatically (the notes being changed by the feet). They are more commonly found in orchestras or venues where they're not moved. The 3rd type is the electric harp and is electric (no way I hear you say). The tuning is controlled by levers.
A typical lever harp has up to 38 strings while a pedal harp has up to 47 strings which is about 6 octaves from G00 to D44.
There are many harp instrument makers but three of the most popular for Scottish musicians are Starfish Designs Celtic Harps, Camac Harps and Pilgrim Harps. If you are looking for a harp lesson in Scotland you should try the Clarsach Society. They often rent harps to beginner harpists to get them started. There are several harp music books available for the instrument and an online tuition harp lessons course from Corrina Hewat.
Anyone looking for more information on the harp and harp music need look no further than Alison Kinnaird, a wonderful harpist and composer for the harp. She has several books including Tree of Strings, the history of the harp in Scotland. The harp has never been more popular than it is today with many very fine players including William Jackson, a founding member of the top Scottish band Ossian, Contemporary musician and composer Catriona Mckay, who plays a Starfish harp, and was voted Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2007 Scots Trad Music Awards, Savourna Stevenson, Mary McMaster & Patsy Sedden (Sileas), Corrina Hewat, Ailie Robertson, Phamie Gow, Ingrid Henderson, Rosie Morton, Rachel Newton to name a few. All of the players mentioned are recording artists and there are many fine harp music CDs available.
Each spring, Scotland's capital city plays host to the annual Edinburgh International Harp Festival which attracts a wide audience to hear world-renowned players from across the globe.
To find out more about about music in Scotland read our Guide to Scottish music.
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