Music to 1600 Early Genres of Western European Classical Music & Music of the Baroque Period

Harp is one of the oldest stringed musical instruments in the world. The earliest evidence of this musical instrument was found in Ancient Egypt. Later harp spread to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Harp gained a great popularity in Europe during the middle ages and Renaissance, where it evolved and improved and finally, found particular popularity in Latin America. Today, harp is one of the most popular musical instruments. The most prominent harpists have produced unique sounds expressing the feelings of the whole generation. Musicians like Carlos Salzedo, Marko Marazzoli, Jean-Baptiste Krumpholz, and Juan Hidalgo were among the most prominent harpists whose melodies reflect exclusive sounds, the deepest drama, and very deep human feelings. In the past, harp was an aristocratic instrument played only in the courts of kings. Harps have different shapes, weights, sizes, decorations, mechanisms, and string materials, but all of them reflect beauty and originality. Joy Rice and Deb Seymour in their article “Explore the World of the Harp” define harp’s universality in the following: “The harp, in fact, is all those things. It can accompany a voice, a silver flute, or be backed by jazz bass and drums. It can be played with only the hands or with both hands and feet, as in the case of a pedal harp. It can be played solo or as part of an ensemble. But no matter where, or what kind, or how it’s played, the harp remains one of the most beautiful and fascinating instruments in the world” (harpspectrum.org).

Harp is a wonderful and musical instrument which produces beautiful sounding and magnificent melodies. As known, it is the hardest musical instrument to play because it requires excellent techniques, good coordination and focus. Nevertheless, many classical musicians preferred using harp because of its crystal clear sounds, celestial tunes and sophisticated melodies. Take for example a piece of music Spring Allegro from “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi (heavenlyharps.com). From medieval to modern, from classical to jazz, from acoustic to electronic, harp produces exclusive sounds, harmony, a sense of focus and unity, melodic freedom and control. The harp is an instrument steeped in tradition yet open to change and for many it is more than a mere instrument, it is a calling (internationalharpmuseum.org).

Works Cited:

“Classical Music for Harp”. Heavenly Harps. www.heavenlyharps.com/repertoire/classical-music-for-harp. Accessed 10 Oct. 2016.

“History of the Harp”. The international Harp Museum, 2009. www.internationalharpmuseum.org/visit/history.html. Accessed 10 Oct. 2016.

Rice, Joy & Seymour, Deb. “Exploring the World of the Harp”. Harp Spectrum, 2014,www.harpspectrum.org/what/what.shtml. Accessed 10 Oct. 2016.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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