Gaelic harp music was an oral tradition, which was not written down by the harpers. It became extinct in the 19th century, before audio recording was invented. So to understand the old music today requires full but careful consideration of all the available information.

A right-hand
bass chord
from
Bunting's
1840 book

The early sources for the music (books and manuscripts from the 17th to the 19th century) contain many clues to the old tradition. Also it is important to remember that although the Gaelic harp became extinct, the oral traditions of Gaelic music do still continue in Ireland and Scotland. Though they have changed much over the last 200 years, they are nonetheless relevant and can suggest ways to approach the repertory.

Over the last 30 years there has been a small but significant revival of Gaelic harp playing. A number of recordings have been issued, ranging from close interpretations based on the historical sources to free use of elements of the tradition in folk and contemporary music. Also there are some tutor books and collections of arrangements, which can be very useful to a student looking for guidance on approaching the original sources.

Simon Chadwick