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I am envious too! The Javelot is the most visually appealing (to me) of all the Thurau harps. I would love to own one but alas, they are out of my price range. Would love to have a chance to try one sometime.
This is one of my favorite harp pieces in the world, to play and to hear. I use the Lawrence edition, though I did modify some of the ornaments in the slow movement, after playing it for, and conferring with, an expert in performance practices of the period. It is an incredibly rewarding piece, isn’t it?
Wow, that sounds idyllic and delightful! I envy you your field trip—I had the privilege of studying at Oxford and I still miss it, and Oxfordshire in general.
I agree that the Sakura is quite feminine looking. It comes in two sizes. Maybe you were trying the smaller one?
I have never played other Aoyamas than the Sakura I just purchased. Marni (at Classic Harps Northwest) was kind enough to put me in touch with other harpists who own and play them, and they in turn shared detailed impressions of the instruments. I bought the harp sight unseen, which I know is contrary to all advice, but it seems to have worked out happily in this case! Not sure where/how I learned of Aoyama initially; it seems like I’ve heard about them for a long time. The tecnhician who regulates my harps spoke well of Aoyama when I asked his opinion. He of course sees and works on all kinds of harps.Not many Aoyamas here, either (Pennsylvania), and Princess Sakuras are really scarce, being relatively new…I know of one in Louisiana, but am not aware of any closer than that. Perhaps some other Aoyama owners will stop by this thread and give us their impressions of their harps.
To answer your question, I have always played Lyon and Healy. I own an older Style 11 which is a truly great instrument. The Aoyama still sounds new, of course, so it’s probably not fair to make comparisons yet with mature, well-developed instruments. But so far I am very happy with it—it has a very lyrical, fluid sound and feel.
I agree about the visual beauty of this unique soundboard with the cherry blossoms! It’s gorgeous! Thanks everybody for the kind words and wishes. In harp heaven here!It is really odd how sometimes twangs, plinks, buzzes, and bangs go away by themselves while I am trying to figure out what action to take. A mystery! I can understand a problem gradually developing, but gradually improving? Almost like the harp can heal itself! Anyway, glad it is getting better for you!
Thanks, Tony, for the good thoughts. Yes, I agree with all of your suggestions, (though I don’t replace my bass wires as often as is recommended, mostly because I hate that “metallic” sound they have when they are new). I would add not moving the instrument roughly to the list! I guess the question underneath my question is, is playing the harp good for the harp? (It almost sounds like an existential question!) I assume it is beneficial for an instrument to be played, despite obvious issues of wear and tear, etc.
No photos as yet, but it is a very beautiful harp! I would say that it is described very accurately in Aoyama’s advertising: they say it has quick articulation, flexibility, easy on the hands, bright tone quality…and all of that is exactly true. The strings have some “give” and are not terribly taut, but not too loose either….not spaghetti strings.
It is good to know that Aoyama is basically okay. The suffering in Japan right now is heartbreaking to contemplate.
I recently bought an Aoyama Princess Sakura which left Japan on a boat just days before the quake. The Tsunami rolled under the boat, but did not upset it. Marni was kind enough to email me, before I even asked, to let me know all was okay. The harp just arrivedThe poem is apparently not easy to translate, being written in a kind of archaic German not in current use. I have showed it to two native German speakers, requesting translation; one was totally stymied by it, the other did not have any problem translating it.
