PEDAL HARP Meaning and
Definition
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A pedal harp, also known as a concert harp or a classical harp, is a large and majestic musical instrument belonging to the harp family. It is characterized by its prominent size and complexity, designed to produce a wide range of pitch variation using a system of pedals.
The pedal harp is typically constructed with a large, triangular-shaped soundbox made of wood, which amplifies the vibrations produced by the strings. It stands upright, reaching a height of around six feet, making it one of the tallest orchestral instruments.
This type of harp is equipped with a series of pedals at the base, which control the pitch of each string. The pedals are organized in a complex system known as the double-action pedal mechanism. By manipulating the pedals with their feet, harpists can change the pitch of certain strings by either raising or lowering their notes. This ingenious system allows for quick, seamless key changes and the ability to play in different musical scales with ease.
The pedal harp possesses an impressive range of six and a half octaves, spanning from the lowest C string to the highest A string. Usually played using the fingertips of both hands, the harpist plucks the strings to produce beautiful, resonant sounds.
With its rich and expressive tonality, the pedal harp is a cherished instrument in the classical repertoire, frequently used in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as a solo instrument in recitals and concerts.
Common Misspellings for PEDAL HARP
- oedal harp
- ledal harp
- -edal harp
- 0edal harp
- pwdal harp
- psdal harp
- pddal harp
- prdal harp
- p4dal harp
- p3dal harp
- pesal harp
- pexal harp
- pecal harp
- pefal harp
- peral harp
- peeal harp
- pedzl harp
- pedsl harp
- pedwl harp
- pedql harp
Etymology of PEDAL HARP
The word "pedal harp" is a combination of two terms: "pedal" and "harp".
- "Pedal" comes from the Latin word "pes", which means "foot". In the context of music, a pedal is a lever or mechanism that is controlled by the feet. The use of pedals in musical instruments allows the player to change the pitch of the notes while playing. Pedals are commonly found in instruments such as the organ, piano, and harp.
- "Harp" originates from the Old English word "hearpe", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "harpō" and the Old Norse word "harpō" meaning "stringed instrument". The harp is a musical instrument that consists of a series of strings stretched between a triangular or curved frame. The strings are plucked or strummed to produce sound.
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