The Harp Needs More Modern Music. That’s Easier Said Than Done

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Perception of Contemporary Harp Music
4. The Struggles of Harpists
5. Community Support and Collaboration
6. The Role of Education
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Repertoire Expansion: The harp community is striving to expand contemporary repertoire for the harp, facing challenges of instrument limitations and composer apprehension.
• Innovative Works: Notable contemporary pieces are being commissioned, pushing the boundaries of traditional harp music and exploring new artistic possibilities.

Introduction

“I once asked a colleague who runs a concert series what came to mind when he thought of harp music. ‘A nothingburger,’ he replied.” This candid admission from Parker Ramsay, a professional harpist, encapsulates a longstanding issue: while the harp boasts an enchanting sound, it lacks a modern repertoire that resonates with contemporary audiences. Historically, the instrument has been sidelined in favor of more versatile and popular counterparts like the piano and violin. The challenge now before harpists is expanding its repertoire, an endeavor fraught with personal and musical sacrifices.

The Harp’s Historical Context

The harp is an ancient instrument with deep historical roots, found across various cultures as a symbol of beauty and divinity. From the ancient Celtic bards to today’s orchestral settings, its use has varied significantly. Yet, despite its rich history, the harp's presence in contemporary classical music remains limited. Traditionally, audiences associate the harp with ethereal ambiance rather than a dynamic, foundational role in music. The efforts to modernize its repertoire seek to change this narrative.

The Perception of Contemporary Harp Music

The perception of harp music as a “nothingburger” reflects a broader trend where composers hesitate to engage with the harp's unique sonority and technical challenges. The cosmetic beauty of harp music often belies its complex performance dynamics: 47 strings, seven pedals, and a relatively unstable tuning system. Many contemporary composers, conscious of these limitations, often avoid writing for the harp, leaving the instrument yearning for new compositions that can showcase its full potential.

Harpists’ Call for Change

Harpists like Ramsay are on a mission to reshape this narrative by collaborating with modern composers who are willing to explore the instrument's capabilities. Recent commissions showcase how contemporary composers can create works that highlight the harp’s unique sonority while appealing to today’s audiences.

Credit: Ben Pearce

Innovative Works Reshaping Harp Music

Parker Ramsay cites several contemporary pieces as pivotal in redefining the harp's role:

1. “Omulu” by Marcos Balter: Commissioned for the 92NY, this piece ingeniously blends traditional harp techniques with modern sound design, emphasizing the playback of diverse auditory experiences.
2. “The Street” by Nico Muhly: A large-scale work shaped through collaboration, which channels liturgical elements into a concert setting, revealing the harp's potential as a narrative device.
3. “Anyway” by Josh Levine: This work incorporates electronics in its setup, using a specially designed harp that provides a platform for new sonic explorations.

These compositions illustrate a growing desire among harpists and composers to elevate harp music from an accompanying role to a leading force in the concert hall.

The Struggles of Harpists

The journey toward expanding the harp's repertoire is not without its challenges. As Ramsay notes, achieving new works requires not only technical skill and musical talent but also months of practice, fundraising, and personal sacrifices. Harpists often face a complex balancing act, punctuated by moments of doubt and challenging physical demands.

The Physical Toll

The physicality of harp playing can be brutal. Harpists typically endure discomfort and pain, occasionally leading to injuries. Ramsay describes a harrowing moment during a high-stakes dress rehearsal for “Anyway,” where an elbow injury left him questioning his future as a harpist. He mentions moments of debilitating pain alongside instances of intense joy that arise from performing new works.

Community Support and Collaboration

Amid these challenges, a supportive community is essential for propulsion into a modern future. Renowned harpists like Ursula Holliger and Andrew Lawrence King have paved the way through their strides in commissioning new works and exploring the harp’s potential in past and current repertoires. This communal effort to support and promote new works ensures that the narrative surrounding the harp stays dynamic and alive.

Future Directions

The future of harp music lies in the continued collaboration between harpists and composers, engaging with the instrument’s unique capabilities while also addressing its challenges head-on. Institutions like the 92NY play a crucial role in this revolution, providing platforms for harpists to showcase new work and foster community amongst artists.

The Role of Education

Education also plays a vital role in the harp's evolution. With more institutions teaching unconventional methods and encouraging experimentation, future generations of harpists will likely explore new ways of integrating the harp into contemporary settings.

Conclusion

As the endeavor to modernize the harp's repertoire continues, the involvement of eager composers and passionate harpists will be instrumental in redefining how this majestic instrument is perceived and utilized in today's music world. The persistence to experiment with sound forms, push beyond limitations, and rewrite the harp’s story reflects a deep belief in the instrument's potential. In a career that requires significant personal investment and resilience, Parker Ramsay embodies the commitment necessary to make the harp a centerpiece of modern music.

FAQ

What challenges do harpists face in expanding their repertoire?

Harpists often deal with the physical challenges of the instrument, including discomfort and the risk of injury. Additionally, they face the complex process of commissioning new works which involves fundraising, negotiating with composers, and dedicating time to practice.

Why do many composers hesitate to write for the harp?

The harp has a unique playing technique and sound characteristics that can intimidate composers. Its limitations in tuning and resonance can present challenges when integrating the instrument into larger works.

What are some notable contemporary works for the harp?

Recent significant works include “Omulu” by Marcos Balter, “The Street” by Nico Muhly, and “Anyway” by Josh Levine, which demonstrate the harp's capabilities through innovative compositions that utilize both traditional and modern elements.

How is education evolving to support contemporary harp music?

Music schools and institutions are increasingly emphasizing innovation and experimentation in harp teaching, encouraging students to explore unconventional techniques and collaborate with modern composers.

What can audiences do to engage with contemporary harp music?

Audiences can support the expansion of harp music by attending performances of new works, providing financial backing to commissions, and educating themselves about the harp's potential through concerts and recordings.