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How about either the easy or intermediate version of DHC’s Baroque Flamenco? Always a crowd pleaser.
I don’t know much but the ones I have played have always sounded really fantastic. Quite different to other Lyons. I’ve always assumed it was to do with the shape of their soundboards which are totally different – not curved but with straight edges.
There are various harp shops in the UK who might rent but I’m not sure if any would do a short term rental. Google Morley Harps, Pilgrim harps and Telynau Teifi. First off I would contact the venue. They may well have harpists who play there regularly and who may be willing to lend/rent you a harp for the day. There are also a few harps available to rent on a short term basis here: http://www.affairsoftheharp.com/forsale.asp
Yes, I totally agree with Carl about playing in different rhythms and accents. This is how we had to practice all of Tchaikovsky’s. cadenzas (we learned them all together) when I was at college. The best advice we were given was to avoid playing any rhythm that came easily – that’s most likely the one you slip into when things get uneven. Also play in triplets, 5s and 7s because they don’t come naturally to most people. Another thing we did was to repeat every finger twice, while also playing in triplets. I remember being able to play the while of Hasselmans La Source his way. Repeating every single note but accenting in triplets. I did it for fun. Must have been mad!!! (It was bloomin’ even though ;))
Even though it’s not cheap, this probably fits the bill better than anything.
http://www.welsh-harps.com/product_view.php?id=417
I think this is the same trolley being used on a pedal harp but is slightly cheaper
http://derwentharps.com/shop/4560360778/Harporter-Harp-Trolley/5207944
They are pretty common here in the UK and I’m guessing in the rest of Europe. My college had one and I remember having to use It for my final recital. I hated it! I wish I had had the guts to insist on using my own harp. They are very heavy and I wasn’t keen on the sound this one had. I’ve heard others that were much better though. I think Cartin Finch used to play one before she got her current harp.
These are great!
The best (worst?) conversation I ever found myself having was with an audience member after a recital. I always like to talk about the harp how we play it including explaining that we don’t use our little (pinky) fingers. This particular last came up to me and said “I thought you might like to know that you actually use your little finger quite regularly”. I smiled and assured her that it must have been an optical illusion. She got really stroppy and said “I can assure you I was watching really closely and you used them a lot. You obviously don’t even know you are doing it” OKaaaaaaay then!!This e book might be helpful
http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Alexander-Technique-Approach-Harp-ebook/dp/B004JKMSXE
I’ve been suffering from wrist issues for a really long time and Alexander technique used with this book is helping but it does take a really long time for your body to unlearn bad habits.Ha! Sylvia. No, no elevator. I wish!! This tower is very tiny. Only 50 people are allowed in the building at any one time so no room to even install a lift (elevator ;)) even if they were allowed to. Yes, there are laws about disabled access but there are also laws about what can and can’t be done to ancient buildings. It’s a common problem here, trying to balance the needs of everyone while preserving our heritage.
Given that I regularly have to get my (CG pedal) harp up this staircase…..
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spiral_staircase_in_Haldon_Belvedere.jpg
…..I would really love to see the starlight harp. I wonder if it will ever make it to the UK?
I sold my flute to help my parents finance my first harp – an antique Grecian. (Oh, the irony whenever anyone says “I bet you wish you played the flute…..”) Since then I have continued to save and then upgrade until I got my dream harp: L+H style 11. When my grandma died she left me quite a sizeable sum of money and I bought my first ever brand new harp. I wanted something for use at weddings that wasn’t gilded but still with the look of gold so I got the 23 ebony and bronze. I love them both but the 23 is developing the most amazing sound. I k ow I am incredibly lucky to own two such fabulous harps.
For Tracey, there’s a pic of my 23 here!Hope that works, I’m on my iPad and it won’t let me upload a photo direct to the forum.
Ardival website does have something similar:
Hi Angela. My teacher plays the flute and used to work with a harpist regularly so she can apply the lessons directly to the the harp. This week she has suggested that she comes to my house so she can see me play and really work on my sitting position with the harp there. She is brilliant. I have had really bad neck pain for about 5 years as well as wrist pain in both wrists. The neck pain has gone completely which is a great start. I’m hopeful everything will be sorted eventually. Good luck with your lessons.
I have Alexander lessons with a brilliant teacher who also happens to be a professional musician. It’s really helping my general posture and well being. This e-book might be helpful to you. It’s quite eye opening!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Alexander-Technique-Approach-Harp-ebook/dp/B004JKMSXEYes, I had this for several years. It was really tiring to keep playing through the pain but I saw endless doctors, therapists etc who could find nothing wrong so I just had to keep muddling through! At the time I was playing a LH style 17. When I changed up to a style 11 the pain went away almost immediately. I’m guessing either my posture changed or the fact that I was sitting lower in relation to the harp (same stool, taller harp) must have had an effect. Maybe you could try sitting at different heights to see if that helps. I also now do Alexander technique lessons regularly too.
