Harmonics on the harp sounds amazing, but how can you use them effectively?
This video explains the harmonic details on the harp, including harmonic basics, the differences between right and left hand harmonics, the range, and more.
Watch here:
In the video, I mention an article from Orchestration Online founder, Thomas Goss. You can read Part 1 of this article here.
Video outline:
- What are Harmonics?
- Right Hand vs. Left Hand Harmonics
- Range for Each Hand
- Flat, Natural, and Sharp Harmonics
- Notating Harmonics (discussion of Salzedo’s notation)
- Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, “Interlude”
- Holst’s The Planets, “Saturn
- Left Hand Doubled Harmonics
- Salzedo’s Chanson dans la Nuit (Song in the Night)
- Parish-Alvars’ Serenade
- Higher Partial Harmonics
- Holliger’s Sequenzen über Johannes I, 32
- Rabb’s Wasatch Crest
- Summary
Join the Discussion
What are your thoughts on notating harp harmonics? Do you have any other questions? Leave a comment and let me know!
Got Questions?
Do you have questions about the examples discussed in the video? Leave a comment!
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Danielle Kuntz is a new music harpist and harp notation coach for composers. Learn more about her work at daniellekuntz.com.