A stunning and historic stringed instrument that has been played for ages in cultures all across the world is the lyre harp. Lyre harps occur in a wide variety of styles, from the Greek kithara to the Scandinavian tagelharpa. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most popular lyre harp varieties and what makes them special.
Traditional lyre
Both ancient Greece and Rome were big fans of the classical lyre. With two curved arms merging at the top, it has a hollow body. The crossbar between the arms is where the strings are fastened. 5-7 strings are typical for classical lyres. The soundbox increases the string vibration, which results in a clear, resonant tone.
The ancient Greek god Apollo, who was frequently portrayed playing a lyre, is associated with classical lyres. Their sound is mellow, clean, and delicate, making it perfect for playing folk and classical music. Using authentic materials and techniques, contemporary luthiers continue to create traditional lyres based on ancient Greek designs.
Celtic harp lyre
The Celtic lyre, often called the wire-strung harp, was invented in medieval Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In Celtic culture, it was a crucial instrument for bards and musicians. The Celtic lyre features strings extending down either side of a forepillar that is either straight or slightly bent.
The Celtic harp’s strings are constructed of metal, as opposed to gut, unlike the traditional lyre. As a result, its tone has a definite buzzing quality. Instead of being played with a plectrum, Celtic lyres are typically plucked with the fingernails. The performance of epic poetry and melodies benefits from their resounding tone. The Celtic lyre is still played by musicians today to recreate medieval customs.
Lap Harp Lyre
Modern lyre harps called lap harps are made to be played while seated. They resemble traditional lyres in that they have curved or straight arms, but they also have a hollow soundbox that extends downward to rest on the player’s lap. They become portable and lightweight as a result.
For a variety of tones, lap harps typically include 22–36 nylon or gut strings. They are a popular option for novices learning to play the lyre harp because to their user-friendly design and rich, lovely tone. The chromatically organized strings of the harp lyre make it simple to perform complete scales and tunes.
A Tagelharpa
The classic bowed lyre known as the tagelharpa has its roots in Sweden. Its large wooden body and flat bridge give it the appearance of a violin. Horsehair strings with rosion are fastened to the bow. When being played, the tagelharpa is held vertically between the knees.
Under the main melody strings of the instrument are sympathetic strings that reverberate and produce a buzzing chorus-like effect. Nordic folk music incorporates the tagelharpa’s ethereal, historic tone. It is also used by contemporary revivalists to perform dancing music, neo-folk compositions, and medieval ballads.
The Lyre Harp Electric
Modern technology is used by electric lyres to augment the harp’s tone. Although they feature a traditional lyre shape, for weight reduction, they are partially made of plastic or carbon fiber. Pickups on the electric lyre are connected to an amplifier or public address system.
This makes it possible for the instrument to be clearly heard at musical performances. Playable, responsive string tension on electric lyres makes them expressive lead instruments. Their magnified sound also blends well with ambient, psychedelic, and experimental music.
Ancient Design, Modern Music: The Lyre Harp
The lyre harp has been practiced for thousands of years by numerous cultures, each of which created an instrument to meet its own particular musical requirements. For playing both historical and modern music, players can now use electric and lap harps that are exact replicas of the original instruments.
Lyre harps continue to be a timeless and adaptable instrument thanks to their beautiful shape and captivating tones. While all harp lyres share the lyre’s lovely singing, dream-like voice, each variety has unique characteristics. The lyre harp continues to adapt while retaining its timeless enchantment in everything from solo classical compositions to Celtic folk and contemporary electronica.
