The Harp

The harp is a string instrument whose origins can be traced back long before the current era, with several ancient peoples, such as in ancient Mesopotamia, employing similar instruments. The harp’s triangular frame holds strings of various lengths that are picked with fingers to not only produce melody and individual sounds but also chords. The harp has been featured in orchestras already since Baroque and Viennese Classicism, becoming a fully-fledged orchestral instrument in the 19^th century once its pedal system took on its current form. The modern concert harp has 47 strings, and its sound can be altered by pressing on the pedals during play.