On Sunday, January 4, 2004, at 09:41 PM, Richard Huggins wrote:
There's such a breadth of experience here, I figure someone here will know
this answer: I saw two orchestra broadcasts over the holidays where two
harps were used. I'm wondering if someone can explain to me how two harps
are used, for example: doubling the same part (and if so, why? for greater
sound or for thicker texture?); playing separate but simultaneous parts;
playing at different times, depending on the notes called for; or, other!
Are two harps more common than one, or is it entirely dependant on the
composer calling for two?
Two harps are frequently used to get past pedaling problems. If you want continuous harp sound but you're modulating a lot, a single harp can't keep up with all the pedal changes. Instead you write for two harps and they take turns playing, typically alternating with each bar.
I'd say that having two harps is common in orchestral music which modulates quickly and often (ie, usually later romantic).
mdl
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