Guide to the Contemporary Harp

Harps and harp music have enjoyed a renaissance over the past century and today can be heard in a broad array of musical contexts.Guide to the Contemporary Harp is a comprehensive resource that examines the vibrant present-day landscape of the harp. The authors explore the instrument from all angles, beginning with organology; moving through composition, notation, and playing techniques; and concluding with the contemporary repertoire for the harp. The rapid diversification in these areas of harp performance is the result of both technological innovations in harp making, which have produced the electric harp and MIDI harp, and innovative composers and players. These new instruments and techniques have broadened the concept of what is possible and what constitutes harp music for today. Guide to the Contemporary Harpis an essential guide for any harpist looking to push the instrument and its music to new heights.

Mathilde Aubat-Andrieu is a harpist and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l'arc (The Signs of the Arch). She was awarded a gold medal and first prize in proficiency at the Music Conservatory in Troyes (France) and gives regular performances at reading-concerts, with chamber music ensembles and orchestra.

Laurence Bancaud is a harpist and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l'arc. She was awarded first prize at the CNSMD (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse) and has a master's degree in musicology and specializes in contemporary music. She is author ofTôn-Thât Tiêt: Dialogue Avec la Nature.

Aurélie Barbé is a harpist, composer, and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l'arc. She was awarded a gold medal at the Music Conservatory in Caen (France) and a higher studies diploma in musicology. She is a teacher and performer, specializing in modal, minimalist and improvised music for both classical and electric harp.

Hélène Breschand is a harpist, composer, and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l'arc. She was awarded a gold medal and first prize in proficiency at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Regional in Paris. She pursues her career as a soloist in the contemporary repertoire and in new creations, improvisation, and musical theatre.

Lilian Rossi has pursued an academic career and is the author ofDoctors and Nurses. Jean Rossi is an administrative officer. Working as a team, they have translated numerous academic and literary works from French and German.

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Organology

I. Historical Reminders

II. The Pedal Harp

III. The Lever Harp

IV. Electric Harps

V. Some 21st Century Creations

2. Writing and Language

I. Notations

II. Dramatized Writings

III. Mixed Forms of Music

3. Playing Techniques

I. Timbre

II. Glissandi, Chords and Clusters

III. Resonances, muffles and silences

IV. Hits on the harp

V. Wire strings

VI. Pedals and Levers

VII. Using Objects

VIII. Scordatura

Conclusion

Significant Landmarks

List of Notations

Bibliography

Repertoire of Works for Harp

Index of Composers Quoted

Index of Playing Techniques