The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world.  Another thing is it is one of the most important musically of the string family that is played with the fingers rather then a bow.  In the Bible, it is said that the harp was invented by Jubal.  Played by David, the harp was the musical accompaniment for Psalms of the ancient Jews.

 

The double harp, or David’s harp, is played with both hands with fingers and thumbs.  Primarily, it is triangle shaped instrument, with sounding board and catgut strings.  In 1720, a turning point of the harp was the invention of the pedal harp by Celestin Hochbrucker.  To give each scale in each octave half note higher, this harp had seven pedals.  Sebatian Erard, in 1810 invented the double action pedal harp. This is the type which most players use today.  This type of harp allows two changes in the length os strings and thus two tone changes.

 

Over the centuries there have been many types of harps.  The earliest ones were a small and only had two octaves. Most recent developments include the auto harp which is held on the lap.  But the most common one is the one that sets on the floor between the knees of the player and mainly played in symphony orchestras or solo concerts.

 

One thing the harp was a favorite of was of the old Irish poets.  And it is an emblem of Ireland.