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The recording is not the greatest…but I love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkk5YXXWgr8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_zB1xZi8is
Karin
Interesting topic. I tend to gravitate more toward “progressive” styles, be they rock, jazz, contemporary… I like unpredictable music that catches me off guard. I tend to dislike traditional “chamber” music for this reason, and most pieces by Mozart. Granted the guy was talented, but I find his stuff rather boring. What really excites me musically are composers like Alan Sylvestri (soundtrack from the movie The Abyss) and rock/metal bands like Rush and Dream Theater. I do like Celtic music on occasion but can only take it in small doses. If I can predict the rest of the song after hearing the first 3 chords, I tune it out.
Carl –
I completely understand what you are saying about the differences between instruments. My harp is terrible at producing harmonics: many times they are inaudible. On the other hand the harp I play in my teacher’s studio is great a producing harmonics. In fact my harp is a Salvi while my teacher’s is a Lyon and Healy. Has anyone noticed a difference in harmonic quality between harp types?
I have to say, Jennifer, that it makes much more sense to be able to play right hand harmonics better than left hand ones – I suppose it is because your hand doesnt obstruct the view of the string. It’s just for some strange reason, whenever I go to play harmonics in my right hand, the sound is almost never crisp; there is always more of a “thud” rather than a bell-like sound.
~Sam
I also have a Sebastian Erard Harp patent #6445 for which I’m looking for information. From what I’ve researched so far it was manufactured between 1811 and 1829. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I’m also willing to entertain offers on it. It is in good condition. Needs little restoration.
I’ve never heard of executing a left hand harmonic like a right hand one – however a year or two ago my teacher told me that one of her new students, who had been playing around with her new found technique of harmonics, decided to play the harmonic with her index finger. Amazingly it seemed to work just as well as a normal harmonic. This would probably increase the range of harmonics upwards on both hands because it changes the position of your hand to “point” upwards rather than downward, which can cause some problems in the wrist.
Actually, there are two recordings that I would recommend by Judy Loman.
“The Genius of Salzedo” CD has her playing the Pescetti – dazzlingly fast. And there is also
Hi Hannah ~
If finding the professional recordings is a problem there are some amateur recordings on youtube. Here are the one I could find:
If they don’t welcome you to play in your school’s band, they should. Here in the states, the pressure to march has delayed the welcome of the string bass and harp to the wind ensemble, but there is plenty of historical support for having both.
Your bigger problem, once you get yourself in, is what they’ll give you to play if there is no part for harp written in the score, and encouraging the conductor to look at pieces that are scored for harp.
It may be slow, but you’ll be a wind ensemble pioneer.
By the way, my conception of the harp I wnated a year ago is completely different from what I’m looking for now, so my stash is still safe. For now.
I would agree to Tony’s suggestion. Sylvia’s book is not complete if you really want to go to real theory.
