cláirseach

Clàrsach today generally means “small harp” or “Celtic harp”, especially in Ireland and Scotland. Historically, it seems that clàrsach specifically meant a harp strung with metal strings, and harp was the name for the instrument strung with gut (or, in modern times, nylon or fluorocarbon) strings.

The clarsach was the primary instrument of the Gaelic courts until the introduction of the bagpipe in the 15th century and remained central to Gaelic courtly music until the mid-18th century. It also played a key role in the music of the early Celtic church.

Becoming a symbol of nationalism Since the 13th century, the harp had been considered the heraldic symbol of Ireland. It was originally set on a dark blue background which, according to the National Library of Ireland, was intended to represent the sovereignty of Ireland in early Irish mythology.

34 Clarsach Strings (34)

The clarsach is a harp strung with gut or wire and is one of Scotland's oldest instruments. The earliest images can be found on Pictish close PictishRelating to the Picts - a group of tribal peoples who lived in Northern Scotland during the Iron Age stones, dating back to the 8th Century.

Played throughout the land over many centuries, the clarsach (Scottish Gaelic 'harp') predates even its piping and fiddling cousins as the mainstay of Scottish instrumental music.

Clarsach is the Gaelic word for a harp, but harps come in many different varieties from all over the world. The harp used in Gaelic Scotland for centuries was a particular type, shared with Gaelic Ireland.

Once an aristocratic instrument played for royalty, harpists were challenged with being able to evoke three distinct emotions from their audience: tears, laughter, and sleep. 8. The harp has been Ireland's national symbol since the thirteenth century. 9.

It was Henry VIII who chose the harp to be used as the symbol on Irish coins when he declared himself King of the land in 1531. However during this period of Irish history Celtic traditions were losing ground to imposing British influence, and the harp became a symbol of the resistance to the Crown of England.

The early harps were strung with wire, held on the left side and plucked with nails grown long. If strung in gut the harp was held on the right shoulder and plucked with the cushion of the finger. If a wire strung harper displeased his punishment was to have his finger nails cut!

The clarsach is a harp strung with gut or wire and is one of Scotland's oldest instruments. The earliest images can be found on Pictish close PictishRelating to the Picts - a group of tribal peoples who lived in Northern Scotland during the Iron Age stones, dating back to the 8th Century.

The early harps were strung with wire, held on the left side and plucked with nails grown long. If strung in gut the harp was held on the right shoulder and plucked with the cushion of the finger.