This sampler CD of music from the 1000 year history of the harp in Western Europe celebrates the 20th anniversary of the International Historical Harp Society (IHHS). Music from the 9th to the 19th centuries is performed on 22 different harps, including the harp psaltery, Romanesque harp, Gothic harp with brays, wire-strung clarsach, Spanish cross-strung arpa de dos ordenes, double and triple arpa doppia, Bohemian hook harp and single-action pedal harp. Fourteen well-known harpists from all over the world are featured. Many of the 32 tracks are solo harp, others also include a variety of early instruments, and about a third add singing in various languages. The enclosed booklet includes a detailed history of each harp, as well as biographies of the harpists.
Proceeds from this project will help support the IHHS.
