Harps: One Classy Instrument

July 15th, 2008

The harp-not only is it a symbol of an imaginary and serene era, it’s the instrument of legends and myths; more so-the instruments of ancient gods. It’s a stringed musical instrument with strings placed perpendicular to the soundboard. All harps have a neck, resonator and strings. Some are known as frame harps-those that have a fore pillar while those that lack the fore pillar are called open harps. A harp can be played while being held in the lap or while being made to stand on the floor depending on its size. The harp’s strings are made of nylon, cat gut, wire, or even silk. A harpist or a harper is the common term referring to those who play the harp. Different types of harps are found in Africa, Europe, North, and South America, while some are discovered in some parts of Asia. In the distant past, harps and the lyres were very prominent in nearly all musical cultures, but lost steam in the early 19th century with Western music composers as they were thought to be a feminine instrument.

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Entry Filed under: Arts

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