Home        About Harpistrie        Harp & Flute        Our Music        Weddings        Booking       Site Map

Why Harp and Flute?

Harp and Flute is one of the classic-combinations in music: two contrasting sound textures which complement each other perfectly. Playing as a duo enables us to perform music which would be less satisfactory on the harp alone - and, of course, with two instruments we have much more presence and carrying power in a large gathering.

While both instruments are of immense antiquity (going back to the sounds made by a plucked bowstring or the wind over a hollow reed), the modern instruments represent a pinnacle of excellence in both craftsmanship and invention.  Both were developed into their modern forms between 1800 and 1850 by the addition of precision mechanisms to overcome the limitations of the natural instruments.  Such perfection was attained that neither harp nor flute has changed in any essentials since that time.

The Harp

While the sound of the harp is certainly enchanting, its visual appeal can scarcely be overstated; it is a thing of beauty - elegance made visible.   Few of your guests are likely to have seen a harp close-up or heard one being played 'live', so a harp will be a talking-point and will certainly make your special occasion more memorable.

Lorna plays a Lyon and Healy Style 17 Semi-Grand Concert Harp in beautiful , blond 'birds-eye' maplewood.

The Flute

The flute is probably equalled only by the violin in its ability to sing and convey emotion.   It soars and aspires and is capable of tremendous tonal variation, from the rich and haunting low notes to the sparkling top register.  

Most of our music will be played on the modern silver flute.  Rob plays a professional model, hand-made by the Altus company.  Of 99.7% pure silver throughout, this beautiful flute produces a sweet yet powerful tone of great flexibility.  

Additionally, Rob occasionally plays an antique wooden simple-system instrument which he restored and re-tuned himself.  This is primarily used where a more 'ethnic' sound is wanted - especially for Celtic and other traditional music.   The sound is softer, less bright.  The small, open finger-holes permit the 'bending' of notes and other ornamentations characteristic of British and Irish traditional music.