Minstrel harp reconstructed after contemporary illustrations from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Poetry from the Middle Ages indicates that the harp is closely attributed to the upper class. Music played on the harp at court served, above all, formal occasions. Time and again one can read how ceremonies are adorned with the playing of the harp.
The sound of the harp can be heard both
at a jousting tournament and at table, where the nobility was also denoted
by way of strict ceremony by the sound of the harp. The epic poem `Diu
Crône´ written by Heinrich von dem Türlîn during the period between 1215
and 1230 shows an example of the above. One occasion celebrated at King
Arthur´s court was given a very precisely described musical setting, in
which the music from the harp added significantly to the delight of those
present.
"...Manec süeze nôte unde guot von der harpfen ze hant erklanc". (Many
a sweet and noble melody could be heard when the harp was plucked). An
instrument carrying the name harp is also mentioned time and again in
central parts of the epic poem `Beowulf´ when recited
in the King´s Hall. The chapter depicting the dragon fight demonstrates
an example of the above: "...Nis hearpan wyn, gomen gleóbeámes". (Beowulf,
line 2263, original Anglo-Saxon version). (...the harp became silent,
that splendid sound from the wooden instrument).
Design:
22 gut strings
Sound box, pillar and neck: pear wood
height 75 cm
weight approx. 1,35 kg