Harfa

Harfa, or the harp, is a stringed musical instrument characterized by a triangular frame, a neck, and a large soundboard with strings stretched from the neck to the body. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing a wide range of dynamics and timbres. The instrument exists in several main forms, the most common being the pedal harp (concert harp) and the lever harp (folk or Celtic harp). The pedal harp uses a system of pedals to shorten or lengthen strings and change pitch, enabling rapid chromatic modulations; lever harps use individual levers on the strings for similar purposes.

Construction and strings: Harps typically feature a wooden frame, a column or pillar for support, and a soundboard that amplifies the vibration of the strings. String materials vary and can include nylon, gut, or metal. In many modern concert harps, bass strings are metal-wound, while treble strings are nylon or gut. A typical concert harp has around 47 strings, covering a range that extends over several octaves.

History and development: Harps have ancient origins and appear in artifacts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other cultures. In medieval and Renaissance Europe they evolved in size and design. The modern double-action pedal mechanism, which allows seamless chromatic changes, was developed in the 18th–19th centuries and became standard on concert harps. Folk and Celtic variants reflect regional playing styles and construction traditions, and regional forms such as the Paraguayan harp are prominent in their respective musical cultures.

Playing and repertoire: Harp technique emphasizes legato plucking, arpeggiation, and glissandos. It appears in orchestral, chamber, and solo music, spanning classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoire, as well as traditional folk contexts. Notable associations include composers and performers who expanded the instrument’s solo and ensemble roles.