Harp

Harp

The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones (stringed instruments) and has its own sub category (the harps). All harps have a neck, resonator and strings. Some, known as frame harps, also have a pillar; those without the pillar are referred to as open harps. Depending on its size, which varies, a harp may be played while held in the lap or while it stands on a table, or on the floor. Harp strings may be made of nylon, gut, wire or silk. On smaller harps, like the folk harp, the core string material will typically be the same for all strings on a given harp. Larger instruments like the modern concert harp mix string materials to attain their extended ranges. A person who plays the harp is called a harpist or harper. Folk musicians often use the term "harper", whereas classical musicians use "harpist".

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Famous quotes containing the word harp:

    God, who gave to him the lyre,
    Of all mortals the desire,
    For all breathing men’s behoof,
    Straitly charged him, “Sit aloof;”
    Annexed a warning, poets say,
    To the bright premium,—
    Ever, when twain together play,
    Shall the harp be dumb.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    Sweet is the day of sacred rest;
    No mortal cares shall seize my breast;
    O may my heart in tune be found
    Like David’s harp of solemn sound.
    Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

    I held it truth, with him who sings
    To one clear harp in diverse tones,
    That men may rise on stepping-stones
    Of their dead selves to higher things.
    Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)