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WHC 2011 - Celtic music

WHC 2011 - Celtic music
The folk harp or Celtic (or Gaelic) harp is small to medium-sized and usually designed for traditional music; it can be played solo or with small groups. It is prominent in Welsh, Breton, Irish, Scottish and other Celtic cultures within traditional or folk music and as a social and political symbol.

Gaelic harp in Scotland and Ireland

Until the end of the Middle Ages the Gaelic harp (the historical clarsach or Irish harp) was the highest status musical instrument of both Scotland and Ireland, and harpers were amongst the most prestigious cultural figures amongst Irish and Scottish kings and chiefs. In both countries, the harper enjoyed special rights and played a crucial part in ceremonial occasions such as coronation and poetic recital.

The main function of the Gaelic harp in medieval Scotland and Ireland seems to have been playing to accompany the recitation of poetry in Gaelic or Irish.

Especially popular in 16th and 17th century English courts, the Gaelic harp was played all over Europe in baroque solo and consort music. 

The historical Irish harp is the national symbol of Ireland and, as such, appears in stylised forms in the Coat of arms of Ireland, the flag of the President of Ireland as well as Irish Euro coins and official documents.

(Source: www.wikipedia.org)


Performances at WHC 2011 found in youtube:

Alys Howe plays at World Harp Congress opening gala