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Not to contradict anyone but I’d just like to observe that in the US, new lever harps are typically in C major in the shop or on the floor. Likewise, most beginner books assume open C tuning. I’ve never taken a survey, but here in the Puget Sound area I’d guess that about half the people I know tune to Eb, the other half to C while wire harpers tune to G.
I don’t know why this ‘C thing’ is – possibly it stems from the recent US harp maker’s “roots”. These guys and gals came from a background in the Celtic songs – typically in G, D, C or sometimes F. Levers were pretty primitive 50 years ago – more likely blades in fact if there were any at all. So that might be another reason.
On the other hand,back then the only other lever harps were pre-pedal models like the Troubadour – naturally enough tuned open to Eb.
Those from a more classical background tune to Eb as Carl observed since it gives a good deal more flexibility in what keys are available. Again, I don’t know but I’d bet that as they become more advanced most lever harpers here choose Eb if they have a full sized instrument.
None of this rambling on my part actually addresses Evolene’s question huh?
The point is though that it does not matter what your open tuning is as far as the modes are concerned, or most other typical or non-typical scales. Personally I will sometimes choose the key based on the range available and just transpose if the piece is scored differently.
If I want to play middle eastern music, or some blues, OTOH (for example) that’s an entirely different question.
Biagio
Friends, I got sidetracked by the word “levers” and “tune” so I apologize. Rereading the above it is obvious that was not at all Evolene’s question (me duh). So get back on track, recognizing that Evolene’s harp is tuned open to Eb and the few I most often play….but first a note from our sponsor:
If you are playing solo most of the time probably more intuitive to tune open to C, and more flexible. The score can then be in any key although you will be a half step higher if it’s one of the flat ones. For example, suppose you are tuned open to C and the score is in a flat key. No problem, just flip ALL the levers EXCEPT the indicated flats and play the score as written. Sharp keys are not an issue, obviously.
Now to return to our program….
“Celtic tunes” will be predominantly in the key of G (flip B A E and F) or D (flip C as well). Sometimes F (flip A and E). Reasons largely have to do with the fact that they were often composed for wire harp and/or to accompany the bagpipe. They are often modal, Myxolydian Dorian and Aeolian being favorites in addition to Ionian.
Middle Eastern and Latin – Quite often these will be in a harmonic minor; it will probably be easiest if you are in open C just to keep track of where you are.
American folk, hymns, and gospel – these are very often scored in F, Bb or Eb in order to accommodate the human voice tenor range.
Respecting “therapy music”, in Western traditions major keys are considered “cheerful” and minor keys meditative or sad. Soothing music is often in a Dorian or Myxolydian mode – I’m sure we can think of exceptions.
There are several ways this question could go. Which is most of interest?
1) What keys is the music most often written in – often as mentioned above because of the most comfortable keys for other instruments.
2) How the harp sounds different depending on the number of levers engaged, and the resulting shorter string lengths.
3) The different colourations and moods of keys. This was a strong consideration before equal temperament became ubiquitous.To add to the tuning question, it is common for harpists in Scotland to tune in Ab.
I’ve heard that there’s a tradition of tuning to Ab in Scotland, but I have yet to meet anyone who actually does it. It seems to be Eb for fully levered harps, and that’s certainly true of harps I’ve tried from Scottish luthiers at the Edinburgh festival, and the harps owned by the Clarsach Society. Is it on the folk scene or something?
If you use printed music, I’ve found that books of medieval music most often use C major or the associated modes such as D dorian (same levers).
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