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FrequencyAndSulphur (July 25, 2008 at 5:23 am)
Very very nice. I'm going to have trouble getting this out of my head, might have to learn to play it on the Hammered Dulcimer. Question, though. Is your Harp Diatonically tuned? if so, what key are you starting in?
MarkHarmer (July 24, 2008 at 5:43 pm)
The steel-strung clarsach does sound a bit like a harpsichord, but the main difference is that it sustains for a very long time. Therefore, arrangements for steel-strung harp tend to have fewer harmonies and slower playing generally. I've heard that comment about Carolan - but then I think he was a composer first and a player second. And he wasn't always sober!!
flanncada (July 24, 2008 at 3:39 pm)
According to Sean O'Riada the nearest sound to O'Carolan's steel strung Clarsach would come from a harpsicord. For me as long as it is a harp played beautifully, like this and unaccompanied, it matters not. It seems to me that only the harp can truly capture the melody. Somewhere on the net I read the rather bitchy comment attributed to one of his contemporaries/rivals that O'Carolan was a better composer than musician. So he might also love your playing
MarkHarmer (July 23, 2008 at 8:41 am)
I would say you're right. There's not a lot of difference in actual sound between the two and the sound depends more on the harp design. The main difference is that gut strings allow you a much greater dynamic range - nylon simply won't play louder than a certain level without "twanging" (an effect used deliberately on Paraguayan harps). Nylon strung harps tend to be louder for a given amount of "pull" on the string because they have a lower tension and the harp can be more lightly constructed.
Myrddyn7 (July 23, 2008 at 3:59 am)
Tell me, does gut truly make a difference in sound over nylon? I, personally, cannot tell much of a difference, except that the gut seems to be perhaps a bit 'buzzier' in tone. Anyone with a preference that cares to tell why?
hagiaadrasteia (July 21, 2008 at 5:15 pm)
enchanting setting of this piece. I would be very happy if you would continue to post your lovely music. I play a celtic harp as well and will certainly try to learn this by ear. Thank you!
coralarch (July 21, 2008 at 8:13 am)
Thanks, Mark. Please let me know if you do- I will certainly listen with ears flapping!
MarkHarmer (July 21, 2008 at 7:40 am)
Hi there - I'll look that one up. Not one I currently play but thanks for the tip - I'll see what I can do!Mark
coralarch (July 21, 2008 at 7:24 am)
Can you play O'Carolan"s "Devotion"? That's an unbelievably beautiful piece. And thanks for this one.
LUKEJAMESBARRETT (July 20, 2008 at 8:20 am)
very nice- something before bedtime |
