CELTIC STRINGED INSTRUMENT PORTABLE

It is often called ‘Brian Boru’s Harp’ even thought it is estimated to have been created in the 15 th century, hundreds of years after Boru’s death.

While the original owner of this 29-string harp made of oak and willow remains a mystery, its last owner, William Conyngham, donated it to Trinity in 1782. The primary inspiration for most depictions comes from the harp on display in the Long Room at the Library of Trinity College Dublin. The photograph page inside passports includes a hologram harp as well as an Ogham watermark symbol as security features.) Irish businesses have embraced the golden instrument for years in their logo - Ryanair, Guinness®, Harp® Lager….you get the idea. Other modern representations include the official seal of the Taoiseach, the front side of Irish coins including the current euro, and the cover of Irish passports. It is currently designated on the Ireland coat of arms and has appeared as such in various forms since the 13 th century. The golden harp adorns the green Confederacy of Ireland flag, which was an unofficial flag during the 18 th and 19 th Centuries as well as the Leinster Provincial flag. The vibrations of harp strings were the heartbeat of this cultural resuscitation. The Gaelic Revival of the 19 th Century sought to resurrect the shared heritage of the Irish people through the celebration of mythology, literature, language and music. The 1792 Belfast Harp Festival failed to preserve the remnants of the near endangered musical traditions, due mainly to lack of skilled players and transcription skills. Small pockets of individuals tried to preserve the Old Gaelic traditions. Due to its subversive power, it was eventually outlawed by England. Over the years, the instrument itself became a symbol of resistance to the Crown. With the decline of the Irish courts and kingdoms, music of the harp grew more silent. In 1531 when Henry VIII assumed the position of King of Ireland, he declared the harp as the national symbol. Therefore, people now look to that country as the fountain of the art.' In the opinion, however, of many, Scotland has by now not only caught up on Ireland, her instructor, but already far outdistances her and excels her in musical skill. Ireland uses and delights in two instruments only, the harp namely, and the tympanum. Scotland uses three, the harp, the tympanum, and the crowd. “Scotland, because of her affinity and intercourse, tries to imitate Ireland in music a nd strives in emulation. Medieval historian, Gerald of Wales puts a Scottish spin on his account of the Irish harpist. The Irish minstrels were the envy of their neighbors to the west. Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland himself, is rumored to have plucked a note or two in his day. They also provided the soundtrack for the readings of poetry and bible verses. Their original compositions filled the banquet halls. The harpist held positions of great prominence in the realm.

CELTIC STRINGED INSTRUMENT PORTABLE

As far back as a millennium ago, the portable stringed instrument appears in the castles and courts of tribal Ireland. Similar wooden, stringed instruments existed across Europe and Asia as early as 3000 BCE. Like most things Irish, there is disagreement on how the harp found its way to the Emerald Isle. What is the history behind this stringed instrument holding such significance for a people revered around the world for their rich traditions of music, literature and eloquence? Referred to as the Celtic harp, Gaelic harp or cláirseach in Gaeilge, the native Irish tongue, the emblem of the nation is found on flags, coats of arms, passports, currency and even the packaging of various forms of libation. Second only to the shamrock, the harp is one of the most recognized symbols of Ireland.

Celtic stringed instrument