The author, a professional harpist, reflects on the challenges and perceptions surrounding harp music. Despite the harp's rich heritage and the work of pioneering harpists and composers, such as Andrew Lawrence King and Ursula Holliger, the author expresses a desire for new repertoire and innovation in harp music to elevate its standing alongside more popular instruments like the piano and violin. He acknowledges the technical complexities of the harp but emphasizes the need for continued exploration and creativity to push the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve.
The harp has its hindrances, and a lot of composers are terrified of writing solo music for it...The sound is boomy, with metal bass strings that are woofy and indistinct.
What I want for my instrument is a new repertoire worthy of presenting to audiences like that of the piano or violin.
Andrew Lawrence King's freakishly colorful and delicate recordings on period harps was a game changer in understanding the boundaries of expression in early repertoire.
Composers and harpists keep trying, but more work still has to be done for the story has to continue.
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