This might explain why it was once called a cruit which can mean lyre.įolklore says that the first harp was owned by Dagda, a chief among the Tuatha De Danaan. So, how did the harp become an emblem synonymous with the Emerald Isle? According to tradition, an early king of Ireland whose name was David, took the harp of the Psalmist as his badge.
In fact, it is said that the Irish concentrated so much of their musical ability into playing the harp, that for many years, the development of music in Ireland was brought to a relative standstill. For centuries, the harp has been a beloved emblem of Ireland. It once graced the flag of the Republic, it still appears on official government documents as well as the Presidential flag, and it is displayed on Irish coins. "People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors." Robyn Sutherland - an Auckland based harp player and singer.Site Index | Kids | Kitchen | Shopping | Poetry | Weddings | Travel | Basic Irish | Quotes | Books | Music | Movies | Trivia | Blessings | Jokes | Links |.Roche - Harpist and Singer, Concert and Irish Hollinea - Enchanting Harpist & Vocalist.Neill - a rising star in the world of harp Celtic Wedding Harps - the Irish harp brings a memorable and charming touch to your wedding day or special occasion.William Jackson - Scottish harper and composer.Gotta Have Harp - represent artists from a broad Below are links to websites of famous harpers and harpists! While there is no absolutely definitive answer, it is generally regarded that a 'harper' is someone who plays mainly non-classical music, and a 'harpist' is someone who plays mainly classical music. There are sometimes divided opinions on the correct term for a person who plays the harp - some people say 'harper' while others say 'harpist'.