A clarsach, or traditional Irish harp, is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, typically using the thumb and first two fingers. The player sits with the harp positioned upright, allowing for easy access to the strings. Different techniques, such as glissandos and harmonics, can be employed to create various sounds. The music often incorporates traditional Irish melodies, showcasing the harp's rich, resonant tones.
The clarsach, a traditional Celtic harp, has its origins in ancient Ireland and Scotland, with roots tracing back over a thousand years. It was commonly played in medieval courts and by bards, serving as both a musical instrument and a symbol of cultural identity. The design of the clarsach evolved over time, reflecting local craftsmanship and musical styles. Today, it remains an important part of Scottish and Irish folk music traditions.
clarsach
The harp has been called both "cruit" and "clarsach" in Scotland. The word "cruit" seems to be older. In Old Gaelic, it originally referred to any instrument with metal strings. The word "clarsach" first appears in the 14th century. Both terms were used in Ireland and Scotland, but eventually "cruit" became the word most widely used in Ireland and "clarsach" was the term used in Scotland. The word "clarsach" may be a contraction of "clar shoileach", meaning a willow board.[Source: Tree of Strings by Keith Sanger and Alison Kinnaird, 1992, Kinmor Music, pp. 31-35.]
One poor Anglicisation of the the Irish for 'harp' is 'clarsach'.
A clarsach, a traditional Celtic harp, typically has between 22 to 38 strings, although the exact number can vary depending on the specific design and style of the instrument. The strings are usually made from gut, nylon, or wire, and the choice of materials can affect the sound quality. Some modern variations may have more or fewer strings, but the traditional range remains common.
H. M. MacDonald has written: 'The clarsach' -- subject(s): English poetry, Scottish Authors, Scottish poetry
A lyre.Another answer:Another word for harp is "clarsach". A lyre is not a member of the harp family.By definition, harps have strings running away from the soundboard, exposed on both sides.A lyre has strings running across the soundboard, frequently with a bridge.
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 1 words with the pattern --A-S-CH. That is, eight letter words with 3rd letter A and 5th letter S and 7th letter C and 8th letter H. In alphabetical order, they are: clarsach
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 1 words with the pattern C--RSA--. That is, eight letter words with 1st letter C and 4th letter R and 5th letter S and 6th letter A. In alphabetical order, they are: clarsach
Scottish instruments include a variety of traditional musical tools that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. Notable examples are the bagpipes, particularly the Great Highland Bagpipe, known for its distinctive sound. Other instruments include the fiddle, which is central to Scottish folk music, the accordion, and the bodhrán, a type of drum. Additionally, the clarsach, a type of harp, is also significant in Scottish music.
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 1 words with the pattern C--R-AC-. That is, eight letter words with 1st letter C and 4th letter R and 6th letter A and 7th letter C. In alphabetical order, they are: clarsach
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 6 words with the pattern C--R---H. That is, eight letter words with 1st letter C and 4th letter R and 8th letter H. In alphabetical order, they are: carritch ceorlish churlish clarsach clerkish coarsish