Celtic Harp vs. Pedal Harp: Which Is Your Perfect String Fit?

No matter the size of the room, the sound of a harp has a special way of creating a different ambiance. If you're considering buying one, you might have seen two main types: the Celtic Harp and the Pedal Harp. You could be wondering, "Celtic Harp or Pedal Harp: which is better for me?" We're here to help clarify things as you start your search, highlighting the characteristics of each to help you choose an instrument that becomes a lifelong musical companion.

‍

The Celtic harp, or the folk or lever harp, is a compact instrument with wire and nylon strings, predominantly used in Scotland and Ireland for folk music. In contrast, the pedal harp, also known as a concert or classical harp, is a larger, technologically advanced instrument used mainly for orchestral music. Musicians playing the former are referred to as “harpers,” while those using the latter are known as “harpists”.

Let's explore the differences between the Celtic Harp and the Pedal Harp. We'll look at their historical evolution and their impact on music and culture. Keep reading to learn interesting stories and lesser-known facts about these instruments. You'll realize there's a lot more to these harps than initially appears.

‍

‍

^{Disclaimer: Celtic Musik participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.}

‍

The World of Harps

‍

‍

The harp is a beautiful and versatile musical instrument that transcends cultures and eras. With its beautiful tones, it has mesmerized audiences throughout history. The word "harp" is believed to have originated from Old Norse, Anglo-Saxon, or Old German languages, with each meaning "to pluck." The harp family comprises various types, including the Celtic Harp and Pedal Harp, which are uniquely suited to different musical genres and settings. In this article, we will cover their distinct characteristics, history, and the similarities that unite them as members of the enchanting harp world.

‍

If you are looking to start learning how to play the Celtic Harp, browse through a selection of books for the instrument. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to different books on Amazon with tunes easily learnable for those just starting out: https://amzn.to/3Bfn5Kv

‍

The Celtic Harp

Definition and Musicians

‍

‍

The Celtic Harp, also known as the Folk Harp or Lever Harp, has a deep-rooted history in the musical traditions of Scotland and Ireland. It's a smaller instrument characterized by its wire and nylon strings that project a distinctively bright and magical tone.

Historical records reveal the existence of Celtic Harps as far back as the 8th or 9th century in Scottish stone carvings. By the year 1000, these harps had spread across Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, becoming a significant part of their folklore and traditions. Even today, the melodies of these harps continue to resonate with an enchanting, timeless allure.

Musicians who dedicatedly play the Celtic Harp are traditionally known as "harpers." Historically, they held a significant social perspective, often serving as counselors to kings and leading troops into battle through stirring melodies. Their impact resonates today with a contemporary generation of musicians who continue to champion the Celtic Harp. They not only perform using this centuries-old instrument but also actively promote its historical and cultural importance, thereby ensuring that its exquisite music endures for future generations.

Appearance and Sound

When examining the key characteristics that distinguish the Celtic Harp from other harps, it is essential to explore their differences in appearance and sound.

Starting with appearance, Celtic Harps are typically smaller than pedal harps, lending a quaint charm to their visual presence. This relatively modest size makes them more manageable and portable, catering to a wider array of venues or intimate performances alongside their traditional role in folk music.

A critical aspect that sets the Celtic Harp apart from its counterparts is the mechanism used for changing the pitch. Unlike pedal harps that utilize pedals located at the base of the instrument, Celtic Harps feature levers situated at the top. This allows harpers to adjust pitch by manipulating these levers with relative ease.

‍

‍

To understand the pitch mechanism's functionality, we can draw an analogy with a piano keyboard. On a piano, white and black keys represent different pitches, with the black keys enabling access to sharps and flats. In earlier times, harpers would need to retune their strings manually to achieve specific pitch variations. Now, using the lever system, they can conveniently adjust the pitch, allowing them to achieve the same sonic possibilities as the black keys on a piano.

When it comes to sound, the Celtic Harp projects a medium volume, producing a bright and magical tone that captivates listeners. This distinct sonic quality remains a defining feature of Celtic Harps and continues to endear them to musicians and enthusiasts alike.

‍

If you are eager to get more familiar with the sound of this instrument, browse through a selection of relaxing Celtic Harp Music. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to different albums on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zp3iHZ

History of the Celtic Harp

The Celtic Harp's history dates back over a millennium, with the earliest known representations found sculpted in Scottish stone by the 8th or 9th century. As complementary fixtures to various forms of music, Celtic Harps quickly proliferated across Ireland, Wales and Scotland, laying the foundation for a vibrant heritage steeped in melody and tradition.

In ancient Scotland, harpers were deemed a key part of the societal structure. The music of their harps was a beacon that resonated across the battlefield. Their melodies not only enlivened celebrations but also provided solace during periods of mourning.

‍

‍

One of the most emblematic remnants of this history is the Brian Boru Harp. Named after an iconic High King of Ireland, this harp presently finds itself immortalized on Guinness bottles, Irish coins, and the Presidential seal, signifying Ireland's deep-seated connection with the harp.

Unfortunately, the preservation of Celtic Harp music was limited due to its oral tradition. However, recent times have signaled a welcomed revival. Modern-day harpers are breathing new life into this ancient instrument, ensuring that the mesmerizing music of the Celtic Harp continues to enthrall future generations.

‍

The Pedal Harp

Definition and Musicians

‍

‍

Standing tall in elegance and sophistication, the Pedal Harp, also known as the Concert Harp or Classical Harp, is an advanced and often larger instrument primarily utilized in art music. The significant attribute of a Pedal Harp is its intricate pedal system situated at the base of the instrument which allows for precise control over pitch changes, enabling it to produce rich, full tones.

The Pedal Harp has found references as far back as Biblical times when David played the harp for King Saul. The therapeutic sound produced by David's harp allegedly relieved Saul of an evil spirit, elucidating the harp’s significant historical role.

‍

‍

The musicians who play the Pedal Harp are traditionally referred to as "harpists." Their dedication to the instrument contributes to the continuance of its use in modern music contexts, directly following in the musical lineage of some of history's greatest composers.

Pedal Harpists, much like their Celtic harper counterparts, play a crucial role in preserving and furthering the harp's importance in the music world, whether they're providing the backdrop for a symphony orchestra or delivering mesmerizing solo performances.

Appearance and Sound

The Pedal Harp, with its unique design and graceful appearance, sets it apart from the smaller Celtic Harp. The visual impact of a Pedal Harp is certainly captivating, standing taller and often adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments. Its larger size not only contributes to its majestic presence but also has a direct influence on its sound quality.

‍

‍

When it comes to distinguishing between harp types, a critical factor that defines the Pedal Harp is its complex mechanism for changing pitch. Unlike the Celtic Harp's lever system found at the top of the instrument, the Pedal Harp employs a series of seven pedals located at the base. These pedals correspond to each letter in the musical alphabet, allowing harpists to achieve a more extensive range of pitch variations with greater precision. This system simplifies the transition between different keys or complex chord changes, making it a perfect choice for advanced art music.

The larger size of the Pedal Harp also enhances its tonal output, delivering a louder, richer, and fuller sound. This characteristic is pivotal, especially when performing in a larger space or as part of a full orchestra. Despite the variations in appearance, mechanism, and sound, both the Pedal and Celtic Harps share a common lineage, showcasing the instrument's adaptability and transcendent nature across various genres.

‍

If you are eager to get more familiar with the sound of this instrument, the Bach Goldberg Variations by Catrin Finch Album is a great start. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XQjBHa

‍

History and Use of the Pedal Harp

‍

‍

The Pedal Harp's origins can be traced back to early historical records, with mentions of harps found in the Bible, reflecting their ancient roots. Over time, the Pedal Harp has undergone significant evolution, emerging as a versatile instrument that has played a vital role in shaping art music across diverse cultures.

The incorporation of the pedal system has transformed the harp, enhancing the scope of its musical expression while enabling harpists to perform complex and intricate classical compositions. This innovation opened new doors for harps, making them a mainstay in orchestras and offering musicians a widened creative palette.

Using a Pedal Harp comes with both benefits and drawbacks. One of the most significant advantages is its extensive range of pitch variations—facilitated by the pedal system—which delivers a broader selection of tones to its players. The Pedal Harp's size enhances its projection capabilities, making it more suitable for larger spaces and full orchestral ensembles. Furthermore, the rich, full sound of a Pedal Harp is signature to its design and construction.

However, the same size that contributes to its benefits can also present drawbacks. Pedal Harps are heavier and less portable than their Celtic counterparts, posing challenges in terms of transportation and versatility. Moreover, their larger size and intricate pedal system often make them more expensive than Celtic Harps.

Despite these challenges, the Pedal Harp has maintained its prominence in music, serving as a testament to the passion and dedication of its players, and entrancing audiences with its powerful, evocative sound.

‍

Comparison Between Pedal and Celtic Harps

‍

‍

The Pedal and Celtic Harps, although sharing a common origin, embody differing characteristics that shape their use and appeal to musicians and listeners alike.

Physically, Pedal Harps are notably larger and heavier, influencing their volume and resonance capabilities. They project a louder, fuller sound, fitting for grand orchestras or larger performance spaces. Conversely, Celtic Harps, being smaller and lighter, make for a more portable and intimate instrument, projecting a distinct and enchanting sound suitable for solo performances and group sessions.

In terms of repertoire opportunities, the Pedal Harp's extended range and pedal system allow harpists to explore more complex classical compositions. The Celtic Harp, on the other hand, is traditionally associated with folk music, offering a rich library of tunes specifically in Celtic music.

The pedal and lever mechanisms play a pivotal role in both harps. Pedals in Pedal Harps allow for intricate pitch changes, while levers in Celtic Harps provide the harper with comparable compositional flexibility, albeit with lesser complexity.

Simplicity and complexity co-exist in these harps. The Pedal Harp, with its elaborate design and function, exudes complexity. In contrast, the Celtic Harp encapsulates simplicity with its more straightforward design and user-friendly lever system.

Consequently, the choice between the Pedal and Celtic Harp often boils down to the individual requirements and preferences of the musicians — each harp offering a separate history, sound, and musical adventure.

‍

Final Thoughts

Starting to learn and master the harp brings with it the excitement of exploring this instrument's history and the various ways it can be played. Choosing between a Celtic or a Pedal Harp makes a big difference in one's musical path, so knowing their differences is key to an informed decision.

Both the Celtic and the Pedal Harps offer unique characteristics, providing advantages based on the musician's goals and preferences. The Celtic Harp, appreciated for its lighter weight, portability, and enchanting tones, appeals to folk music enthusiasts, beginners, and performers seeking intimacy in smaller venues. In contrast, the Pedal Harp, with its extensive range, complexity, and increased volume, caters to classical music aficionados, experimental composers, and those participating in larger ensembles or venues.

‍

The key to selecting the right harp lies in aligning it with your ambition, style, preferred repertoire, and logistical requirements. Thorough research, hands-on experience with both harp types, consultation with seasoned harpists, and introspection into personal preferences will guide the selection process.

Taking these factors into account ensures that you find not just an instrument, but a musical companion that resonates with your aspirations and passion for the enthralling world of harp music.

‍

For a more thorough introduction to Celtic music, the NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Celtic Music furnishes an A-to-Z glossary of musical terminology, lists of essential CDs, a history of the art form and its profound influence on modern music, and profiles of notable musicians. Find out more through this link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpW5rL