Harp

With a history that dates back to ancient Egypt, the harp is one of the world’s oldest musical instruments and is represented in Greek mythology, Christianity, and many folk music traditions. The word “harp” has Germanic origins and means “to pluck,” describing how it produces its ethereal sound. There are many different types, but the modern concert harp is distinguishable by its pedals, which, by altering the pitch of some strings, allow for a broader range of notes. A concert harp consists of three parts: the neck, soundboard, and a maximum of 47 strings. Harpists use the fingers and thumbs of each hand to produce notes, two of the most common playing techniques being the arpeggio—playing notes in succession—and the glissando, simply sweeping the hands across the strings.Sébastien Érard patented this technologically advanced instrument in 1810, when the harp began to be an essential part of the orchestral texture. It also acquired an essential place in the orchestral and chamber music of Ravel and Debussy who both showcased its capabilities for various harp makers of the day, including the Pleyel Company and Érard.