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Seems like the only place one sees criticism anymore is reviews of movies, concerts and other performances.
If we are really open to constructive criticism for the sake of education/enlightenment, could I please (without any intent to offend) mention something I have noticed in many posts on this website (and other places, too)?
I love you all and want you to know for your own sake: “it’s” is a contraction of “it is,” “it was” or “it has.” “It’s” is never possessive. Think of “its” as part of a set along with “his” and “hers.” Example: This post is almost finished. It’s on its last sentence.
Email the Virginia Harp Center. They may not have the Elysee in the store but they can get it if you want it, so they would be able to give you a price before ordering it.
David, could you please explain about the new HT Venus harps? Specifically, how are they different from other Venus harps?
Okay, David Ice, how about a harp-friendly arrangement of FreeBird? I just listened to part of it on YouTube and suspect it could be done, with appropriate pedal slides. Wonder if there’d be any kind of a market for that?
I think it might depend on who restored it and how, i.e., has it been rebuilt with a modern soundboard or an authentic reproduction which takes a lighter gauge string? If Howard Bryan restored it, for example, you might want to ask his recommendation. You should definitely ask anyone you’re considering if he or she is experienced with antique harps.
Carl, Howard, any suggestions?
Nope, they told us up front that cost would be the price prevailing at time of delivery. It did go up every year but just a little; not as much as in the last decade and a half.
Back in the 70’s there weren’t so many harp companies, and no dealerships where you could walk in and try or buy. New harps had to be ordered from the factory and there was a waiting list, which they told us when we placed our order. We also learned the cost would be the price at time of delivery, not at the time the order was placed. Of course it was higher two years later. I waited two years each for two harps I bought in 1977 and 1979, but at the time there was no choice. Those were standard models and finishes; the wait for special orders was even longer.
No harps have gone out of Chicago for some weeks now as it is too cold to ship them. The extreme cold would damage the finish.
One bride was a professional singer/dancer in shows on Broadway and cruise ships, and she wanted “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz for their recessional. I said it could be done but would lose a lot in the translation. Fortunately she thought better of the idea when she realized most guests wouldn’t get the connection without the words and agreed to something more traditional. This was not in a church.
Have you also noticed how those same people tend to walk backward into your path without looking because they are talking to someone else? And then complain when THEY bump into YOU!
One asinine comment while with the harp (concert grand, covered, on cart) in a hotel elevator: “Is that a body?” I think the guy was drunk.
Another time, also in an elevator, in a hospital: “Is that an x-ray machine?”The points Carl listed can also wisely be applied to any used harp one is considering buying, antique or not.
Many thanks, Dave. It is available (for a premium!) and I have ordered it for my husband’s birthday. I’m sure we will both love it.
Lyon & Healy, Lyra Music (International Music Service) and Vanderbilt Music carry the Sonatina by Natra.
When I bought my Lyon & Healy 17 in 1979, it came with canvas cover, a C tuning fork, tuning key and small screwdriver. I bought a new 15 in 1977 but it didn’t have its own screwdriver or tuning fork. Maybe those just came with the pricier models. Do new harps now come with anything more than a canvas cover and tuning key?
The good news is all of the versions are now available on DVD. If you want to hear Mary Crawford “play” the harp, get the long one (1983) with Sylvestra La Touzel as Fanny Price. Yes, one does miss a lot when they condense these major works into 90 minutes! Some parts don’t make a lot of sense because so much character development is left out. That’s why the books are so much fun!
Here’s a link to some more complete versions:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1364519&skuId=6662186&type=product&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=6662186
