Playable BooksGeorge Frederick McKay · section 26 of 111
The Harp
Read and hear this section in the playable edition →The harp furnishes excitement and motion principally by means of the glissando. To create this effect the hands sweep freely over the strings. Before this is done the strings must be set into the desired tonal pattern by shifting the pedals.
Once the strings are set the harpist is free to create any rapid or unusual glissando pattern. It is necessary to indicate the tones desired for each of the letter names of the scale. C can be pitched at C-natural, C-sharp or C-flat; D can be pitched at D-natural, D-sharp or D-flat, etc. These must be indicated at the beginning of the glissando. Any up or down motion should be indicated by a line (see page 14).
Before any new tones can be introduced, the foot pedals must be shifted and the player must be given sufficient time to make this adjustment.
A variety of delicate patterns are possible through the use of the staccato or plectrum sound made by plucking the strings. Harmonics are effected by stopping the string lightly at a point one-half or one-quarter of the distance up its length. When harmonics are to be played, the player must be given time to prepare for each tone.
For orchestral purposes the harp is essentially an instrument of motion. Too much harmonic emphasis in the part can slow up action. The most imaginative writing should almost always
feature either relatively elaborate glissando motion or rather simple, pointed and direct staccato motion.
The harp tone is weak and easily obliterated except when set in motion by vigorous glissando playing.
To hear the harp in action as an orchestral ingredient, such scores by Debussy as La Mer, Ibéria and Danses sacrée et profane are outstanding. The Harp Concerto by Glière, available as a recording (as are most of the works mentioned in this book), will illustrate effective and typical writing for the harp as used in solo work with orchestra.
An interesting recording which shows the possibilities of the guitar (another member of the plectrum family) is Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo.