Harp Fest Day 2

It has been an action packed day! There has been something on almost the whole time. I'll do a quick summary for myself then pad it out when I get more time. Robyn arrived today so when I could have been writing it all up we were chatting!

The first session was with Nancy Hurrell and was a talk on the history of the harp. Nancy is based in Boston, MA and gave us a super potted history on the harp using many examples that she has been privileged to see as part of her connection with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. One of her interests is the harps of composer and harpist John Egan. He was also Ireland's leading harp maker in the early 1800s. As part of her work at the MFA, and on her travels, she gets the chance to play on such instruments and was able to describe the characteristics of instruments and how they adapt over time.

One of my strings broke over night. I knew it was going so bought a news one in the break. I still haven't fitted it as I am hoping someone who can sort the knot more quickly and effectively than me. After break we had a workshop on ornamentation for 17th and 18th century music with Robin Ward. This was really interesting and gave us a few ideas for how to decorate certain styles of music. Robin played examples on his triple harp that he built himself. It's a fascinating instrument and he plays it very well.

After lunch Nancy gave us a wonderful workshop on Renaissance Dance. As well as learning the dance steps for the Branle, Pavane, Galliarde and Canarie, we heard examples and then played them. This was quite exhilarating and a fair few of us were out of breath! This also helped as an ice breaker as you find you can talk to someone more easily when you've had to choose a partner or hold hands! Nancy made it look effortless and never needed to adjust her steps as I frequently had to!

Needing a break from the dancing we then had a lecture on tuning stabilisation and about the possibility in the future for a harp where the strings will not go out of tune. Very scientific but interesting and I learnt a little about the behaviour of a nylon string.

The Q&A session with the tutors covered all sorts of issues to do with performing, techniques and instruments then Danielle was joined by a chamber ensemble to perform Ravels' Introduction and Allegro and a new piece by Gary Higginson. Both pieces were well played and this was an enjoyable hour.

After supper we had a performance by some of the course participants who already play in a group. Robin Ward then performed a fabulous piece by Albeniz on the triple harp. Sue Rothstein performed two of her own compositions on Danielle's pedal harp and Robin played again on a wire harp. The sound from this lap instrument was startling. The best description was that it was a 'silvery tone' and it had a gorgeous resonant sound. The final piece was the Branle where Nancy taught us the steps again and the day ended with a jam session outside as people suggested tunes for us all to busk along to. Around 11pm we were politely asked to move inside.

Robyn took a load of photos so I'll get a few up when she's sorted them out. A great day and now I'm ready for bed!