Harps

Definition

Harps are stringed musical instruments that consist of a triangular frame with strings stretching from the top to the base. Known for their ethereal and resonant sound, harps have played a significant role in both ancient and medieval music, often associated with sacred or courtly settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harps were commonly used in ancient cultures, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, where they were often depicted in art and played at religious ceremonies.
2. The medieval harp underwent various design changes, evolving from smaller, hand-held versions to larger, floor-standing instruments by the late Middle Ages.
3. Harps were frequently associated with the divine and were believed to have healing properties, making them popular in both religious ceremonies and royal courts.
4. In medieval music, the harp was often played alongside other instruments like lutes and flutes, creating rich and layered soundscapes during performances.
5. The use of harps in early polyphonic music helped lay the groundwork for more complex musical compositions that emerged in the later Renaissance period.

Review Questions

• How did the design and use of harps change from ancient times to the medieval period?
  • Harps evolved significantly from ancient times to the medieval period. In ancient cultures, harps were smaller and more portable, often used in religious contexts. By the medieval era, harps grew larger and more complex, becoming floor-standing instruments with increased string counts. This evolution allowed for a wider range of musical expression and enabled the harp to become a staple in courtly music as well as sacred performances.
• Discuss the cultural significance of harps in medieval music and their role in social settings.
  • In medieval music, harps held great cultural significance as they were often associated with nobility and divinity. They were commonly played at royal courts and during religious ceremonies, where their soothing sounds were believed to connect listeners with the divine. The harp's presence in these settings underscored its role as a symbol of elegance and refinement, bridging the gap between earthly enjoyment and spiritual experience.
• Evaluate how the harp contributed to the development of early polyphony in medieval music.
  • The harp played a crucial role in the development of early polyphony during the medieval period by providing harmonic support to melodic lines sung or played by other instruments. As composers began experimenting with overlapping melodies, the harp's ability to create lush chords made it an ideal instrument for these new musical forms. Its versatility allowed musicians to blend vocal chants with instrumental harmonies, paving the way for more complex compositions that would characterize later musical developments during the Renaissance.

Related terms

Lute: A stringed instrument with a neck and a rounded body, popular in medieval and Renaissance music, often used in conjunction with harps.

Lyre: An ancient stringed instrument similar to the harp, characterized by its U-shaped frame, used primarily in Greek culture for both secular and religious music.

Chant: A form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song of the Christian church that often featured harp accompaniment during medieval times.