New strings bring the 'bling' to University's harp collection

The ANU School of Music is strumming and humming with the sweet serenade of strings after recently acquiring two ornate, hand-crafted harps.

The School has purchased a reproduction 18th century Louis XVI-style harp as well as a contemporary concert harp in the Art Deco style. Both harps will be used in concerts, student recitals and for teaching.

Head of the Harp Area at the School Associate Professor Alice Giles said that both harps “were very special instruments and the best of their kind”.

“The period harp will be suitable to perform music from as early as Handel or Mozart, even up to Spohr in the 19th century,” said Professor Giles. “It’s brand new but has been made in the style of harps that were common in Paris during the 18th    century.

“It has a silvery, pure, clear tone that is quite magical and very responsive to the touch. It makes playing music from that time easier to interpret and understand. The instrument was made by hand in Schaffhausen in Switzerland and took about one year to complete.

“The contemporary harp is the equivalent of a Steinway D piano – the biggest and best harp that is made in the world today. It comes from the Chicago harp manufacturer Lyon and Healy, and will be used for ANU students’ concerts and recitals.

“Together they illustrate a huge contrast as the contemporary harp towers powerfully over the delicate Louis XVI. It is rare for any musical institution in the world to boast two such exquisite harps and we’re very excited to have them,” she said.

Watch Professor Giles play the two harps at ANUchannel on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbyn4IKyPZA