Welsh for David's
Harp
Welsh for David´s Harp
Iconography from the Middle Ages very
often depicts King David with the harp. Musicians played these simple
instruments over several centuries. And today this light-weight instrument
still fascinates us with its gentle but nevertheless clearly audible tone,
and opens up new dimensions in sound (besides the modern concert harp).
These harps had between 24 and 30 strings, however semitone levers were
still missing. The instrument was tuned to every key required for the
recital in question. Tuning done by ear therefore resulted in pure key
intervals. At this point we also recall the `Laws of Wales´ from the 12th
century. According to these laws, three things were indispensible for
a man of social standing, namely " his harp, his coat and his chessboard",
while, at the same time, it was essential as a matter of principle for
each and every man to have at home "a virtuous wife, a cushion on the
chair and a tuned harp".
Design:
30 gut strings, ranging from F to g3
resonance board: maple
pillar, neck and sound box: walnut
height 105 cm
weight approx. 3 kg