Instruments of the Modern Symphony Orchestra/HARP
HARP
Arpa
Harfe
Harpe
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Charles Schuetze
N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra
Although of great antiquity, the harp has only recently attracted the attention of serious musicians. It was originally a diatonic instrument and modulation out of the key was not possible. Its adoption as an art instrument dates from the year 1810, when Sebastian Erard invented the double-action harp, the mechanism of which has hardly been improved to this day. In fact, it may be said that Erard left this instrument as complete as the Italian luthiers left the violin.
The harp is tuned to the scale of C flat major, but by the use of the seven pedals, each scale tone may be raised one or two semitones, depending upon whether the pedal is depressed one or two of the notches provided. Thus it is possible to play in all keys, though the instrument remains essentially a diatonic one, chromatics being available only at moderate tempo and under conditions which must be studied before attempting to write for the instrument.
The strings are of gut, those of the lower register spun with metal wire. To assist the eye all the C's are colored red and the F's blue. The notation of harp parts is the same as that of the piano. Although the harp is hardly a regular member of the orchestral family, one or more harps are frequently called for in modern scores. Their brilliant, scintillating effect is too well known to require description. Harmonics are possible and are of ethereal beauty in soft passages.
N. Y. PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA