The Lyon & Healy
Concert Grand Pedal Harp that Barbara plays was built in Chicago,
Illinois. Lyon & Healy has been a leading manufacturer of harps for
decades and is known world wide. The concert harp is the harp best
suited for orchestral, choral and chamber music. With few exceptions,
most of the classical repertoire was composed for this harp. The range
is nearly that of a piano and is capable of similar volume. There is no
need for amplification of a concert harp for church services, weddings
or parties of under 100 guests. The sound it produces is percussive
enough to be heard over conversation while being gentle enough that is
is not overpowering. Because of its chromatic abilities, the repertoire
available for this harp is far greater than that for the Renaissance
harp or the Celtic harp. It is surprizingly versatile and included in
the repertoire is music that suits everyone.
Barbara
Fackler plays her Renaissance harp in a variety of settings. This small
harp is an historic copy of a harp that would have been found in Europe
during the Renaissance period. At only eight pounds, it is easy to
transport, offering a harp that goes places that are a challenge with
concert harps. Wired to a small battery powered amplifier, this
instrument offers the beautiful sound of the harp out of doors with
very little difficulty.
The Renaissance harp is the perfect instrument for outdoor events. Because of its light weight, it can be moved long distances and over uneven surfaces with greater ease than a concert harp, making the choice of the location less restrictive. It is strung in nylon which is far less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes that cause the gut strung concert harps to go out of tune quickly. This instrument is more likely to sound beautiful in what can be a less than friendly environment for a harp. Its intonation is fairly stable. It is easily moved without assistance and can be moved quickly in the event of a rapid, unforeseen weather change. The nature of a concert harp leaves its intonation unpredictable in outdoor settings. Harpists who do take their concert harps outdoors usually charge extra, while there is no extra fee involved with the outdoor use of the Renaissance harp.
This instrument, because of its lower tension is perfect for Celtic music and offers a wide selection of music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales as well as traditional music from Germany and Austria. It is also well suited for Hispanic music, including traditional music from South America, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba. There is a growing amount of audience-pleasing classical music composed for a harp of this size. Listen to selections from "Danses d'Autumne" recorded by Isabelle Perrin, which are included in Barbara's repertoire.
Small harps, like the Renaissance harp fit beautifully in hospital
settings and other small spaces. Its ease of transport allows
performances at bedside in hospital, hospice, palliative care units,
nursing homes and other similar settings. Unamplified, Barbara's little
harp can fill an intensive care unit with music that soothes and
comforts those suffering from pain, boredom or restlessness. Studies
suggest that harp music effectively ministers to those suffering with
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It also aids in tolerance of
pain, often resulting in the need for fewer medications. Visit Harp Instead for more information about using harp to promote wellness.