Irish harp

Irish harp believed to have evolved in the 11th c., the Irish harp is characterized by the outward curve of its pillar and by having brass strings. Among several ancient instrs. preserved is the so-called “Brian Boru” harp, now thought to date from the 14th c. and housed at Trinity College, Dublin. Its resonator is cut from a block of willow, the pillar is of oak. Later instrs. were made with 30-50 brass strings traditionally plucked with long fingernails. In the late 18th c. the tradition of…