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The rudest, most intrusive question is also unfortunately the most common: “how much does one of those things cost?”
Of course, the fact that Lyon and Healy did not do the new soundboard and neck does not mean that the workmanship was inferior, as he almost seems to be implying. It just means that a) the harp was not as advertised, and b) it was significantly modified after Harpo owned it.
I’m sure one outdoor event will not be harmful to your brass. More of a concern is making sure the harp is set on a firm, non-wobbly platform of some kind.
Though I’ve never played it, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin looks/sounds like it might be a lot of fun. By the way, you are VERY privileged: no conductor has ever asked me what I would like to see programmed!!
I forgot you might not have 2 harps available. I also forgot Firebird; how could I forget that? The Stravinsky Symphony in 3 movements has a very exposed, beautifully written harp part, and also a complex and beautiful piano part. You’ll need an excellent pianist.
Ann truly deserves this honor. She is a great musician teacher and person, and has had a wonderful career, worthy of celebration.
I assume you mean an orchestral part, not a harp concerto. Stravinsky: Symphony in 3 Movements. Ravel: Tzigane or (easier) La Valse. Debussy: La Mer, Afternoon of a Faun. Rimsky Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol. Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra. Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet. Just a few that I found particularly fun to play! There are many others. (Tzigane is a violin concerto—maybe not too practical).
I was able to post a photo of my new Princess Sakura about a year ago. I’m pretty sure I used photobucket to do so. I also had help from someone who knew what he was doing!
Catherine, I heard the news from Heidi at Harp in LA.
Sherj, a bronze and ebony 17 sounds stunning. And unique! Enjoy your new harp.Cora, since you are planning to play in an orchestra, you may well need more than 40 strings….more even than the 42 of the Seraphim.
Carl Swanson’s book has a clear and comprehensive section on assessing a used harp for purchase. Short of having a technician look at it, this would be a good guide.
A harp builder told me that the harp would have to be dismantled to re-paint the soundboard. Sounds pretty daunting.
I agree with everyone who says you should pick the one that you like best. But ultimately, choose an instrument for its sound, not its appearance. I personally am not much drawn to the mahogany finish, but if I found a mahogany harp with an irresistible sound and feel,
In my opinion, no one would frown on the Pescetti. Salzedo transcriptions are generally accepted fare anywhere, I would think.
