‘Talking Harps’ is a passion project created by Angela, Javier, and Victoria - three adult harp learners from around the world who came to know each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the mission of connecting the harp world through conversations, the project started with the ‘Harp Connections’ interview series inspired by the concept of 6 degrees of separation to share the story of harpists from all over the world that have yet to be discovered by many harp lovers. Guests return to ‘Harp Focus’ where they take a deep dive into aspects of musicianship that they are passionate about, thinking and rethinking some things that we take for granted, and challenge some conventional wisdoms.
For practical tools to help you realize your full potentials as a harp player, check out ’Harp Toolbox’, ‘Music for the Harp’, 'Harp Focus' and 'Harp Hub'.
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Thank you for sharing. I’d love to hear about how you did the blue stain finish. I’m debating about staining my harp blue and have been scared doing it
Thanks for this interview, Lena makes beautiful music. I want to recommanded my harpteacher from the Netherlands for an interview on this channel: Marije Vijselaar.
30:38 - I'm a lazy beginner, but I've noticed the mentioned muddiness in the lower range of my 26 string Harpsicle. For this reason, my beginner self tends to stay in the mid-upper range of my Harpsicle; however, if you listen to Ms. Birkenstock's recent Alameda recording you hear IMO very rich, delightful bass that is not characteristic of what I'm used to hearing on harp. Of course the rendering of this exceptional bass is unfortunately hostage to the listener's audio platform. I've found that what sounds great on one person's audio system will not always sound good on another person's system. In Birkenstock's case, however, the bass of Alameda is a joy to hear on multiple platforms. I know she has a production team, but Birkenstock seems to be her own "audio engineer" in that her audio recordings often seem to be the most bold and resonating recordings I have ever heard. I do not mean to insult Birkenstock in any way, but when I listen to her, I feel a sense of Vollenweider quality without all of the new age "baggage". Also, while I greatly admire Vollenweider, he often tends to play in a rather dramatic context of other instruments while on the other hand Birkenstock's harp and enchanting voice are able to stand majestically alone.
Wonderful interview! And so heartwarming, Lena, what you share about your time recording the two albums and how this experience weaves into the overall concept of “home”. ❤️ Thank you, Victoria, again, for connecting the harp world!
I love that you two are friends and are hosting a series of harp workshops with our first guest this summer and fall in Germany! Love the connections! 🥰 - Victoria
So happy to see another connections between two guests! You have some unique skills that complement harp playing really well, and I was not surprised to learn that Lena chose you to record her album! And how wonder that Nadia was there to help too! Power trio right there! 😎 - Victoria
Lena, your journey is so refreshing and your music reflects your character and ideas of life. I love your methodology of bringing out emotions of personality and awareness of the present of being home and colours allowing them to just flow together. Covid was not a great time but it did open doors to improvise a new adventure and pathways. It was a pleasure to listen to your journey. Wishing you much success Looking forward to getting your albums. Big Hugs. Victoria, looking forward to your playing Lena’s music. Thank You
Lena's album "Bodenseewellen" is a family summer favorite; we put it on every time we get into a car! I learned "Bodenseewellen" and I am working on a couple other pieces from "Heartstrings Volume 2". :) - Victoria
I just got my 24x2 Marini double-strung in May. It popped up for sale used and I jumped right on it. I love to just noodle around with it - it is so much fun to play and I love the smaller size. Thank you for this interview. It's always nice to have more resources.
Oh that's so exciting Daleen! What fun you will have with that! Seems like this interview has come out at just the right time then. Yay! So glad you enjoyed it and enjoy your new Harp learning adventure. - Angela
We are so glad you enjoyed it Connie. I must admit this is one of those interviews I'm going to watch and rewatch just to take in all the nuggets and ideas. I'm so grateful to Amelia and Nadia for sharing and glad we can provide it here on our channel for everyone to benefit. - Angela
Amelia you see music in colours as I do. When you’re composing a piece would you keep the colours in their warm or cool shades (like a palette of paint) then add hot or cold to change dynamics. Nadia What would a piece sound like composed from a paint palette in your woods how would you add a release of white doves. Just thoughts…
It is actually like writing a soundtrack to a movie. So I would ask myself: what is the story behind the flying doves, and what is the story or the overall feeling happening in the woods at that time. And then I would write a score that underlines this story or atmosphere.
I love interpretations of music. The composer has an image but much like the bible people will read or hear it and have different interpretations. So often love pieces can turn spiritual to different people.
Yes, totally. 😀Either on a piece of paper or singing into the phone/voice recorder. Especially if it is for a tricky spot that I would have been working on for a few days.
Thank You Amelia and Nadia for expressing in words the challenge of describing HOW to do it when it’s an emotional flow coming together. Both of you have such beautiful colours to your music that can be visualized and draws out emotions and mental images. Truly enjoyed this discussion.
What do you do when you have created two ideal sections that work both equal in beauty but you can only use one - like perhaps one has more action in the harmony attached to the melody in the right hand but you want to bring up the bass or visa versa how do you decide what to keep and would you create another new composition to use the alternative piece
Thank you for this wonderful possibility of exchange, dear Victoria and Amelia. And thank you Angela for making things possible in the « Talking Harps » team! 🥰
It honestly is such a treat to be on the Talking Harps team! But it's our wonderful guests and audience that make this channel possible. Thank you for your friendship with and support for Talking Harps and beautiful contributions to the harping world, Nadia. - Angela
The tune is everything you describe. Sounds very much like Italy in the summer when the town awakes at 3, joins the markets and sits in town center under the cool trees. the meeting place for the older and play bocce ball and the kids run around the trees.
Hi Eva. That is wonderful that you are wanting to get lessons for the harp. There are lots of options depending on your goals and needs. A private teacher is ideal. There are quite a few who offer online lessons or you might want to check locally if anyone is offering in person lessons. Alternatively Victoria and I highly recommeng Heather Downie's How To Harp Membership. www.howtoharp.com which if a complete learning community For a beginner course, Ailie Robertson has one that: www.ailierobertson.com/onlineharpschool I hope you find the right fit for you! - Angela
Healing through the long journey. You have taken your journey literally on a boat that flows through the calm and ruff to come out at a port, not one but many. Wishing you a wonderful journey and helping others find their port. You have found your world upon a boat in your own space and created a healing world to share, so others understand they can make their own haven within the things they hold dear. To find, others now wish they had the life you have. To tell your story gives hope to other survivors. I had to giggle when you spoke of testing your voice in the harp and the resonance. I have done this and tried to correct my own voice with a tuner. It was playful. Thank You Victoria, Angela and Jessica for such a sensitive interview topic enjoyable to watch and learn. A great and ongoing recovery for everyone. What a better instrument than the harp. You are the harp in your journey and admired.
