“This website is my independent free information resource on all aspects of the Gaelic harp, the early Irish harp or clarsach of Scotland and Ireland.
I also have associated books and cds for sale in my online emporium.”

Music of the old Gaelic world

The Lamont harp and the Queen Mary harp - two ancient examples of the clarsach or Gaelic harp. Illustrations from Hipkin & Gibb, Musical Instruments, 1888
Karen Loomis’s long-awaited article is now published in the Galpin Society Journal volume LXV. The article includes images from the CT scanning of the Lamont and Queen Mary harps, showing internal features and construction, as well as details and discussion of the X-ray and other analysis that has been carried out on these two historic instruments over the past few years. Visit the Galpin Society website for more information.

New for April: Old Gaelic Laments, Simon Chadwick’s new CD.

Clàrsach na Bànrighe

Tutor book

Lessons book

Gestures book

Early Music

Old Gaelic Laments

The medieval, Renaissance and baroque art music of Gaelic Scotland and Ireland is an historical oral tradition.

The beautiful yet obscure early Gaelic music is being rediscovered and re-interpreted by independent scholars and historical musicians. The old traditions, stories and cultural backgrounds are as important as the technicalities of the music and the instruments.

Beautiful compositions from the historical repertory can be played on a craftsman-made copy of an historic instrument, using reconstructed historical playing techniques and idioms - with the artistic aim of bringing the old music back to life.