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Abstract
The Scottish lever harp is an instrument founded in an ancient history, but a relatively recently reconstructed tradition. From its modern conception, the lever harp has been a synthesis of multiple influences, invention, and creativity. Today, harp playing in Scotland is an expanding and evolving tradition. This paper seeks to draw inspiration from and add to the work of contemporary harpists by exploring ways of developing vocabulary for the instrument.
In the first section, the project investigates connections between different harp and harp- related traditions around the world. It looks at their history, cultural context and important players, alongside analysing excerpts of their music through transcriptions.
In the second section, the transcriptions are synthesised through the lens of the elements of art: line, shape, form, space, texture, value and colour. It also draws on practice routines learned during the year at Berklee Valencia, from teachers, mentors and classmates. Bringing all this together, the paper sets out a creative practice framework for the lever harp. It explores ways of using this new language in context.
The final section reflects on what has been learned through the project, and imagines future pathways: including creative projects, pedagogical methods and practice-based research.
Publication Date
7-1-2023
Campus
Valencia (Spain) Campus
Keywords
Vocabulary, Lever Harp, Transcription, Creative Practice, Tradition
Award
With Distinction
Recommended Citation
Groves, Rachel. “Elements: Building Vocabulary on the Lever Harp through Global Harp Traditions and Art Forms.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2023. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-contemporary-performance/256.