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The Jews Harp in Britain and Ireland: Soas Studies in Music

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The Jews-Harp in Britain and Ireland (Soas Studies in Music)

by Michael Wright

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	54035 KB
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Print length	:	223 pages
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The jews harp is a small, handheld instrument that is played by plucking a metal tongue with the thumb. It is a simple instrument to learn to play, but it can produce a wide range of sounds, from delicate melodies to rhythmic drones. The jews harp has been played in Britain and Ireland for centuries, and it has been used in a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock.

History

The jews harp is thought to have originated in Asia, where it has been played for thousands of years. It was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, and it quickly became popular in Britain and Ireland. The jews harp was often used in folk music, and it was also used by wandering musicians and minstrels.

In the 18th century, the jews harp became popular in classical music. Composers such as Mozart and Haydn wrote pieces for the jews harp, and it was also used in orchestral works. The jews harp continued to be popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it was used in a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock.

Construction

The jews harp is a simple instrument that is made of a metal frame and a metal tongue. The frame is usually made of brass or steel, and the tongue is made of steel or iron. The tongue is attached to the frame at one end, and it is free to vibrate when it is plucked.

The size and shape of the jews harp can vary, but the most common type is about the size of a thumb. The frame is usually oval or rectangular, and the tongue is usually about half the length of the frame.

Playing Techniques

The jews harp is played by plucking the metal tongue with the thumb. The thumb is placed on the tongue near the center, and it is then flicked outwards. The tongue vibrates against the frame, and the resulting sound is amplified by the mouth.

The pitch of the jews harp can be changed by altering the tension of the tongue. The tongue can be tightened by pressing on it with the thumb, or it can be loosened by relaxing the pressure. The volume of the jews harp can be changed by opening or closing the mouth.

The jews harp can be played in a variety of ways. It can be played solo, or it can be used to accompany other instruments. The jews harp can also be used to create sound effects, such as bird calls and animal noises.

Use in Different Musical Genres

The jews harp has been used in a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock. In folk music, the jews harp is often used to accompany singing and dancing. It is also used in traditional Irish and Scottish music.

In rock music, the jews harp has been used by a variety of artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Led Zeppelin. The jews harp can be used to create a variety of sounds in rock music, from delicate melodies to rhythmic drones.

The jews harp is a versatile and expressive instrument that has been played in Britain and Ireland for centuries. It is a simple instrument to learn to play, but it can produce a wide range of sounds. The jews harp has been used in a variety of musical genres, from folk to rock, and it continues to be popular today.

The Jews-Harp in Britain and Ireland (Soas Studies in Music)

by Michael Wright

5 out of 5