The triple harp is a stringed instrument that originated in Italy and was first played in the British Isles in the early 1700s. It was first introduced to Wales, then spread to other parts of the world later in the century. The instrument has 95 strings in total, divided into three rows: 37 strings in the bass, 34 strings in the middle, and 27 strings in the treble. The outer two rows’ strings are tuned together, while the third row’s strings are chromatically tuned separately from the first two rows. While other types of harps gained popularity in the twentieth century, the triple harp is still played by people who have carried on the tradition.
When playing the triple harp, players lean it against their left shoulder. The treble notes on the harp are played with the left hand. The right hand is used to pluck bass notes, and the instrument has a total range of five octaves. Playing technique, like that of other stringed instruments, must be mastered. Harpists learn a technique that involves rapidly playing corresponding notes on each outside row in unison, which produces the instrument’s sound.
The triple harp was first introduced in North Whales in the late 1700s, and notable musicians of the time, such as Augusta Hall and John Parry, helped to spread its influence. Harp players brought the instrument to taverns and local fairs by carrying it on their backs because it was light enough, so groups like Methodists were against it and helped to limit its popularity. Traditional musicians, such as Nansi Rchards-Jones, revived the triple harp’s playing style and sound in the early twentieth century, teaching others who passed on the skills to others.
The instrument is known as the Welsh Triple Harp because of its popularity in Wales. Many old versions of it have been preserved in their original form. Even after other parts of Europe lost interest in the harp, it was known to be played in Wales. Experienced recording artists around the world, including in Wales and the United States, continue the tradition in the twenty-first century, using it to compose contemporary music. The triple harp has been used to record a wide range of music on albums, by music teachers, and by orchestral musicians.