Most of us are familiar with the term glissando. While other instruments can play glissandos, this technique is typically associated with the harp, since it is comparatively easier to execute on the harp than on other instruments.
On the harp, the glissando is played by sliding a finger(s) horizontally across multiple strings. While it is a relatively easy technique, excessive glissandos can cause painful blisters!
I’ll be putting a post together later this month with some notation guidelines and a few special considerations. What questions do you have about harp glissandos?
P.S. Want to learn more about idiomatic writing? Join me and 11 other presenters for Toolbox Sessions (May 19-21) to learn about a wide range of instruments and voices! Early bird tickets available through April 16 and use code ‘daniellekuntz22’ for an additional $10 discount.