The Harping Tradition

The harp holds a unique place in Irish music and culture, recognised as Ireland's national emblem and symbolising the country's rich musical heritage. Its history spans centuries, from medieval courts to modern-day revivals.

Origins and Historical Significance

• The earliest Gaelic term for the harp was "cruit."
• The harp has existed in Ireland for over 1,000 years, with evidence of its use depicted on the 12th-century wall of Ardmore Cathedral, Co. Waterford.
• The Brian Boru Harp, on display at Trinity College Dublin, is Ireland's oldest surviving harp and inspired the national symbol of Ireland.

The Harping Tradition

Medieval Golden Age

• Flourished during the Middle Ages, supported by wealthy Irish and Anglo-Irish families.
• Harpers were highly regarded and travelled with poets (file) and orators (reacóir) as part of the nobility's entourage.
• Planxties (solo pieces) were composed in honour of patrons, such as "Planxty Kelly."
• Harping was a prestigious occupation, often passed from father to son and accessible to blind boys as a viable career.

Decline of the Tradition

• By the 17th century, the harping tradition declined due to the loss of noble patronage following the fall of the Gaelic aristocracy.
• Harpers became itinerant musicians, travelling for food and money.
• The Penal Laws further suppressed Irish culture, with Queen Elizabeth I and Oliver Cromwell targeting harpers and their instruments for destruction.

The Belfast Harp Festival (1792)

• Organised to preserve the dying harping tradition.
• Featured 11 harpers aged 15–97, including notable players like Denis Hempson.
• Edward Bunting, a 19-year-old organist, was commissioned to notate the music and document the lives of the harpers.
  • Bunting's publications, such as "The Ancient Music of Ireland" (1840), preserved many Gaelic harp tunes and techniques, ensuring their survival.
• However, nuances of style and ornamentation were lost in Bunting's classical arrangements.

Types of Harps

Bardic Harp (Old Irish Harp)

• Strings: 29–31 wire strings, played with fingernails.
• Sound: Resonant with long-lasting tones, requiring complex damping techniques.
• Size: Approximately 70cm in height, with a curved pillar and hollow soundbox.

Neo-Irish Harp

• Strings: 34 nylon or gut strings, played with the pads of the fingers.
• Sound: Warmer tone, more suited to modern styles.
• Size: Taller than the Bardic harp (around 91cm).
• Fitted with levers to create semitones.

Turlough O'Carolan (1670–1738)

• The best-known Irish harper and composer of the 17th century.
• Blended Irish harp music with Baroque influences.
• Famous works include:
  • "Planxty Irwin"
  • "O'Carolan's Concerto"
  • "Eleanor Plunkett"
• His compositions are widely performed today on instruments like the piano and classical guitar.

20th-Century Harp Revival

• The second half of the 20th century saw a resurgence in interest in the harp, led by players like:
  • Máire Ní Chathasaigh: Albums include "The New Strung Harp."
  • Laoise Kelly: Known for "Just Harp."
  • Derek Bell (The Chieftains) and Gráinne Yeats.
• Harp classes, competitions, and grade exams are now common, reflecting the instrument's growing popularity.

Modern Harping Techniques

• Harps are now typically held against the right shoulder (reversed from the traditional left).
• Played with broken chords for accompaniment.
• Modern harps are fitted with blades or levers for greater versatility in key changes.

Exam Tips

• Key Historical Points: Highlight the harp's importance during medieval times, its decline, and its revival.
• Describe the Harps: Differentiate between the Bardic and Neo-Irish harps, focusing on their construction, sound, and playing techniques.
• Mention Key Figures: Include Denis Hempson, Edward Bunting, and Turlough O'Carolan in your answers.
• Use Examples: Reference specific planxties like "Planxty Kelly" and modern recordings like "The New Strung Harp." The harp remains a vital part of Irish traditional music, symbolising both its ancient heritage and modern revival**.**