Should you limit the use of ties on the harp?

Before delving into this question, we need to remember how the how the harp works. Once a note is played, it is automatically sustained unless manually stopped (or dampened).

(To learn more about this concept, check out the Registers of The Harp post.)

How does this relate to ties?

Ties indicate notes that should be sustained. On other instruments (like the piano), this is extremely important. But on the harp, this actually clutters the score and provides unnecessary information. Often, a passage will sound exactly the same, regardless of the ties. If you are adding a tie, ask two questions:

1. Would this note be sustained, regardless of the indicated duration?
2. Is there a simpler way I can notate it?

In the example below, the first illustration is a common notation and similar to how it would be notated on the piano. The second example is a clearer solution.

Join the Discussion

What are your thoughts on ties on the harp? Do you have any other questions? Leave a comment and let me know!