[aziliz-harp–2]

Thank you very much for your answers. In fact the bride sent to me a video of what she wanted (she insisted that I play the same score) so I can’t take an easier version, but I keep the easiest score for the next time.
I explained her that it was a very difficult piece and that in so few weeks it is already a challenge, but she has listen to her video for so long time that she prefers I play the same, even if it is not the same tempo. She already have planned a part of the ceremony around this version.
I will simplify a little the left hand to be able to play it properly.

Thanks for your help!

[aziliz-harp–2]

I agree with the fact it is important to let a space between the harp and the shoulder.
Gretchen, some people can play during a lot of years without pain or problems, and some people who have exactly the same technique will not, It depends of our body. If you have no problem also you are lucky. But when we have a problem we learn to listen to our body and to do better gestures and positions which are more efficient to play healthy.
Before my shoulder problem I didn’t notice the weight of the harp too whereas I was playing a lot of hours per day (on pedal harp). Most of the time we are not aware of what happens inside our body,
As Emma said, Alexander technique is a good approach to learn to listen to our body and be aware of our position in the space. There are also Feldenkrais method or Resseguier method which can help.

[aziliz-harp–2]

Hello, I had some problems too but after that I worked with a physiotherapist which is specialized in musicians health and help me to have good habits for my body and avoid problems int the future.

Firstly it is a error to put the harp directly on the shoulder: the weight (especially for pedal harps) will compress the nerves and nervous muscular package, which can for some people be dangerous, especially when you are not fat. The solution is to hold the harp with your knees (you bench the harp and hold it only with your knees) and you let as much as possible a little space between the harp and your shoulder. It can be difficult at the beginning but after few weeks you do it naturally, it is just a habit to take.
You can also put something on your shoulder to protect it (scarf, cushion…)

Secondly when you play be aware on not lifting the shoulder, especially in the high register. You can film you doing the same thing with the right hand and the left hand. Normally your shoulder don’t have to move, even in the hight register.

Thirsdly it is important to warm up before working (you can do it on the harp, for example with scales very slowly and you are aware of being very relaxed and not have the weight on the harp on the shoulder) and to stretch each arm after playing. It takes a little time but it avoid many problems.

I hope that was clear, my english it a little approximative…

[aziliz-harp–2]

Thank you very much for your answer!
I will try to upload the music so it will give me an help to work on this interessant piece.
I have another question just to be sure that I have really well understood:
-Does the beat on the third note (Db) last a little more than on the first and second notes?
Because the E and F are “croches pointées (donc 3 double croches)” (I am not sure of the word in english so write in french) whereas between F# and Db there is a “double croche (Db) and a croche pointée (C)” (donc 4 croches pointées)?
If it is the case do I have to swing between a pulsation which lasts 3 “doubles croches” and a pulsation which last 4 “doubles croches”?

Thanks for your answer,
Aziliz

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