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Biagio,
Glad to hear about your updated design! Talk about waiting for better weather, we finally are getting Spring-like weather in Western North Carolina. Today’s temps were in the high 60’s! (Fahrenheit) We even have crocus and daffodils beginning to bloom! I know this warmth won’t last, but we are enjoying it for a few days, anyway.
Best thoughts,
BalfourHello, Andelin!
Glad to hear that your bass wires sound nice! You have inspired me to change the wires on my L & H 85GP. I have done four of them already, and the difference in tone is amazing! They are full and rich, with a longer sustain. I am thrilled!
Best to everyone,
BalfourSid, I wish I could help, but I have never played that particular work. Can you simplify the arpeggios by dividing them between hands, or keep them in a closer range rather than playing the entire arpeggio up and down, in other words, make them an octave or two shorter? Just some thoughts.
My best to you,
BalfourLaura, I look forward to seeing your photos, as I have never been to that museum. I love to see pictures of antique harps!
Perhaps Carl could start making Tyrolean harps? It sounds like they would be wonderful! I bet they are lighter weight than double-action pedal harps, too.
I realized that I left out a very important part of “Miss Shirley’s story.” Anyone new to this thread can go back and read what I wrote about her so far.
Well, when Miss Shirley came out of that coma, with all the alarms, flashing lights and machines going off, her eyes fluttered open, she reached out her hand toward me and the harp, and she exclaimed “Oh, it’s only you!” All of us in her ICU unit laughed with genuine joy at having her back with us.
All of you have a wonderful day!
BalfourMarco,
Thanks for all that info! I knew that you would be the person to respond to this thread, and then YOU DID! How cool is that?
This is beyond my area of expertise, as I usually rely on a good sound engineer when I need amplification. I’m so glad you guys who know about this can be in touch with each other on this forum.
All of you have a great day!
BalfourIt is so good to read the recent responses to this forum. One of the most remarkable experiences I had along this line was when I was asked to play the harp at the bedside of a dear friend of ours who had just had a stroke and was in a coma.
“Miss Shirley” was in her 90’s when this happened, and her two sons and her minister were the only folks allowed in to see her in ICU. One of the sons asked if I could be allowed in with my harp, and received permission. I played for almost 45 minutes, all of Miss Shirley’s favorite songs and hymns that I could remember she liked, and suddenly, all the “bells and whistles” went off, a nurse came running, and Miss Shirley came out of the coma! She lived a very pleasant life for five more years.
Never underestimate what our music can do in such a situation. It is a remarkable gift!
My best to all of you,
BalfourRandal, bless you and thank you for what you have done for all these special people over the years. I’m sure you will hear from other harpists on this forum, but I wanted to send a quick reply to let you know that I have been in very similar ministries most of my life, too. I have played harp and piano in nursing homes for years, beginning when my great-grandmother went into one for the last two years of her life when I was a small boy. Last year, two of my pedal harp concerts were for retirement centers here in NC. Looking forward to hearing from more people who do this sort of thing.
Best wishes,
BalfourWell, I’m glad to know that Damase wrote two Sonatas for Flute and Harp, since I only knew about the first one. Thanks for clearing this up!
Best to all of you,
BalfourWhat E minor is referring to is the Natural minor scale. Using a D sharp makes it into a Harmonic minor scale, just as using a D sharp and a C sharp would make it into a Melodic minor scale, basic music theory. It just depends upon which sound the composer wants, I guess!
That new wire strung harp design sounds wonderful, Biagio! You might like to do a blog like Mae did, so we can read about your progress, with some photos. I would enjoy that very much!
