“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

This month’s video is the pibroch or ceòl mór, An Tarbh Breac Dearg (the red speckled bull), attributed to the early 18th century harper, piper and fiddler, Raghnall Mac Ailein Òig, known in English as Ronald MacDonald of Morar (1662 - 1741). An experimental, tentative performance by Simon Chadwick using the decorated replica of the Queen Mary harp.

New for December: New book on harp wire from Daniel Tokar and Ann Heymann. Also a new solo Gaelic harp CD from Chad McAnally and a new storytelling CD from Peter Berry.

Clàrsach na Bànrighe

Tutor book

Gestures book

Early Music

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.