Few instruments, like the Celtic harp, are surrounded by such an almost esoteric aura: the Celtic harp boasts two thousand years of history and a thousand years of written tradition, along with a unique social meaning.
This musical instrument differs from a regular harp due to its small levers, called levers, replacing the classic pedal mechanism, as well as its smaller size and fewer strings.
These characteristics allow for the creation of a distinctive, crystalline, and light sound, generated by the moderate tension of the strings: it is this sound that immediately evokes ancient Irish ballads and traditional pieces.
The Celtic harp is inextricably linked to Ireland and its Celtic roots, becoming a true national symbol.
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The History of the Celtic Harp
The harp entered Ireland and England in the 4th century: in the Gaelic language, the ancient language of the Celts, it was called “clarsach”.
This type of harp is the instrument that most represents Irish culture and was even adopted as a symbol by the Irish independence movement of the United Irishmen.
However, the origins of the harp go much further back.
The Harp in Prehistory
The Celtic harp has an ancient history; its precursors were already present in prehistoric times, as evidenced in various parts of the world.
It is believed that its unique shape is a derivation of the hunting bow, which has been used since ancient times to hunt prey.
These musical bows would have evolved over time, taking on increasingly complex shapes.
There is evidence of harps owned by the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Jewish people, and so on… until the form of the instrument more or less resembled the one we know today: a kind of triangle with strings stretched and vibrating freely, and a resonating body located at the lowest part.
The Harp in Irish Mythology
The Celtic harp was born in pre-Christian Ireland, later spreading to northern Europe. Originally, it was different from the Celtic harp as we know it today.
Structurally, it was much sturdier, with a solid T-shaped column and a resonating body carved from a single piece of willow.
The strings, ranging from 30 to 36, were made of metal or copper and were directed downwards.
It was played by resting it on the left shoulder, where the higher-pitched strings were positioned.
The evolution of the instrument is evidenced not only by the surviving specimens but also by a rich iconography and depictions of harps on Celtic crosses.
The Irish mythological literature is full of episodes where the Celtic harp or harpists appear: in traditional stories, only bards and kings could own one.
In other words, this musical instrument was a symbol of power: in the Arthurian cycle, there is even a tale of Merlin playing the harp, through which he was able to levitate some rocks.
With the arrival of the English after the year 1000, Celtic culture was suppressed, and so was the role of the bards: laws were even passed to limit their power or ban the use of the harp (such as the one issued by Henry III). This was because the powerful understood how important this string instrument was, and they realized that they could not repress Irish customs without directly attacking it.
Despite everything, the Celtic harp continued its metamorphosis and managed to survive: the 16th century saw the biographies of the last Irish bards, and from then on, the harp would be replaced by its more modern version, the pedal harp.
The Celtic harp would not experience a revival until the 20th century, thanks to a regained popularity and curiosity towards Irish music. A considerable amount of time passed, but the instrument would nonetheless become a stable part of orchestras.
The Figure of the Harpist
In medieval times, harpists were highly regarded and were often found in close proximity to princes and leaders.
Their role was not limited to that of simple minstrels, as they were seen as poets and singers, refined custodians of a true cultural heritage.
The bards accompanied clans, battles, or nobility and were capable of narrating true stories through music: these ballads often revolved around various themes, from love to magic, and even war.
Due to this importance, the career of a harpist became highly coveted, and soon schools were created to teach not only the technique of the instrument but also everything surrounding it: poetry and declamation, for a bard, held an equal weight to musical technique. Some bards even considered poetry more important than music.
The harpist took on the role of a true storyteller, entrusted with the task of transmitting the Celtic oral tradition.
Several harpist/singers became famous: Rory Dall O’Cahan, Arthur O’Neill, and the legendary blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan.
Lived between 1670 and 1738, he is considered the greatest Irish harp composer, and is still a reference point for all those who play the Celtic harp today.
Blinded by smallpox, O’Carolan began traveling across Ireland, composing several pieces of popular music, all with a strong poetic quality. This musician is considered the last bard in history.
How the Celtic Harp is Made
The Celtic harp consists of 47 strings with a range of six and a half octaves, tuned to C-flat major (different sounds can be achieved with keys).
This musical instrument is made up of 1,415 different parts, most often in finely carved wood.
The strings, which are now made of metal, were historically made from sheep gut, and are plucked. History also records that ancient harps had a base on which they were rested to make playing easier.
How to Play It
The string type of the Celtic harp also influences how it is played.
If the strings are made of nylon, gut, or carbon, they produce a softer sound, typical of orchestral harps; they must therefore be played with the fingertip and require more finger strength.
Celtic harps with metal strings, on the other hand, have a more powerful timbre, similar to that of folk guitars. Since the strings are long, they need to be stopped and are played with long nails, requiring enormous control.
It is said that in ancient times, the greatest punishment for a bard was to cut their nails, which is why for centuries, nails were the only way to play the harp.
Resting it on the shoulder, the Celtic harp is played with both hands, which pluck the strings.
The instrument’s particular structure, with different strings and sizes, makes it different from a regular harp: the hand position, body posture, and muscular force applied are all different.
Looking at the Celtic harpists, you can immediately notice how their movements appear graceful despite the pieces being often intricate and fast, much like the type of sound this instrument produces.
In ballads, the Celtic harp allows the fingers to move with more agility and put less pressure on the strings.
The Celtic Harp Today
Thanks to the revival of traditional Irish music in the mid-1900s, more and more people have started to appreciate this musical instrument, along with its repertoire and cultural heritage.
As a result, several Irish folk groups with harpists have emerged, some of which have achieved commercial success, such as the Chieftains.
Irish artists are credited with attracting a large audience of enthusiasts, thanks also to this very melodic and catchy genre of music.
Among the most famous harpists are Gráinne Hambly, while the Celtic Harp Orchestra is the largest Celtic harp orchestra in Europe.
In Italy, among pop singers, Angelo Branduardi has included the harp and Irish music in his artistic production, which looks particularly at ancient times, so much so that he has been nicknamed “the bard”. He has worked with another important Celtic harpist, Alan Stivell.
Since the 19th century, this musical instrument has been “feminized” and has been played by an increasing number of women.
In modern music, there are several famous harpists, and some have even been part of groups, such as Moya Brennan of Clannad, a band that blended modern pop with Irish heritage.
How Much Does a Celtic Harp Cost?
Prices for purchasing a Celtic harp can start from 300-400 euros for more industrial models made from less precious materials, and go up to thousands of euros for high-quality luthiery products.
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