Historical Harps
I have a large array of original, working historical harps, among them a George Reed 24-string made in Springfield, Vermont, in 1872, a Ram’s head Erard from 1790, and dital harp-lutes by Edward Light (1837).
One of my favorite things to do is play concerts on these instruments and tell the stories of their makers, their musicians and the culture around the harp. Basically spilling 200-year-old tea!
The Regency dital harp
On a whim, with a low bid at an auction in 2016, I bought this amazing obsolete instrument, made by Edward Light in London in the late Regency. I have played instruments from the 1800s and knew the nylon-wrapped strings were not the right tension and could damage it. I searched for information, but the others who play didn’t respond. I loosened the strings and just set it aside.
When the Covid quarantine hit, I pulled out my string gauge, a bunch of gut strings and figured it out. I strung it at low tension to make sure I didn’t damage it.
The dital harp is awkward, finicky and it is difficult to express yourself, but I was hooked. It is a quiet sound that is lovely and I believe it expresses a moment in time in the Regency. I am also working on a hand-sewn Regency gown because… well, to quote Oscar Wilde, “Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.”
Please contact me for concerts, lectures and events that highlight this amazing instrument!
Samples
Sophia Dussek, Sonata in C minor, on the Ram’s head Erard:
Play video: Sophia Dussek, Sonata in C minor, Ram’s head ErardL. C. Ragué, Largo, on a Ram’s head Erard Regency harp:
Play video: Largo by L. C. Ragué, Erard Ram’s head Regency harp“Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes” on the Edward Light dital harp, with voice:
Play video: Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, Edward Light dital harp and voiceContact Information
Phone (917) 696-2314 or email [email protected]