One of the most enduring of sounds, synonymous with the Emerald Isle, is that of the dulcet Irish harp. But the Irish harp that many of us are familiar with is a relatively modern instrument. Prior to the late 19th century, Ireland had a rich tradition of making and playing a different kind of harp, which is now referred to as the early, or old Irish harp.
The new type of harp that came to Ireland was based on the Anglo-continental harp tradition, musician Sylvia Crawford said on a video call. Eventually, as the old Irish harp makers and harpers—the term used to describe the old harp players—passed away, the knowledge of the early harp tradition went with them.
