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The harp has existed for hundreds of years and was played in Ancient Egypt and in Roman times. It has a big, triangle shaped wooden frame, which about 45 strings stretch across, from top to bottom. These are all different lengths and thicknesses, so they play different notes. They are plucked by the harpist, so that they make a sound. Listen to the harp Instrument Range Listen to it played from its lowest to highest note. Special Effects glissandi / near the board / harmonics Hear it in action in Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra          Meet the Orchestra! Clifford Lantaff plays the harp for the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester. Read about him below.       Clifford Lantaff, Harp How old were you when you first started playing? I was eight years old when I first started playing. Why did you choose that instrument specially? It was the only instrument taught at my school apart from the recorder. Do you play any other instruments? Yes – the piano (not very well) and the violin (first position only). What do you like most about playing in an orchestra? Is it fun? Playing in concerts when the adrenalin is going and everyone is doing their best. A great feeling of doing something special together. Do you play any other kinds of music? Yes – folk music. What’s your favourite music? Janacek String Quartets. Do you have any hobbies? What are they? Yes – cycling and mathematics. I’m studying for a degree in Maths in my spare time at the moment. What would you have done if you hadn’t been a musician? Possibly a teacher – but not in Music. Perhaps Maths!?                   All pictures are copyrighted - picture credits     Flute Trumpet Oboe French Horn Clarinet Trombone Bassoon Tuba     Violin Tuned Viola Untuned Cello Timpani Double Bass   Harp   LEARN AN INSTRUMENT Which instrument, which age, finding teachers, buying guide and the perils of practice   Get help Listening

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