An Aeolian harp (also wind harp) is a musical instrument that is played by the wind and therefore acts to symbolize the bridge between nature and humanity, as it requires the role of nature to play music. Named after Aeolus (Greek: Αίολος), the ancient Greek god of the wind, the traditional Aeolian harp is essentially a wooden box including a sounding board, with strings stretched lengthwise across two bridges.
It is often placed in a slightly opened window where the wind can blow across the strings to produce sounds. The strings can be made of different materials (or thicknesses) and all be tuned to the same pitch, or identical strings can be tuned to different pitches.
Besides being the only string instrument played solely by the wind, the Aeolian harp is also the only string instrument that plays solely harmonic frequencies. They are recognizable by the sound which is a result of this property, which has been described as eerie and ethereal.
Source: Wikipedia
Piano pieces inspired by Aeolian Harp:
~ Maria João Pires plays Beethoven, “Moonlight Sonata” Op. 27, No. 2, Adagio Sostenuto: https://open.spotify.com/track/7zccPU5I7UzNlrcG5yKxfi...
~ Xenia E. Zilli plays Chopin: Etude Op. 25, No. 1, 'Aeolian Harp':
HOW IT SOUNDS - Aeolian Harp on the Irish coast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmP5XaNYlkI&t=57s
Picture (top): modern version of the Aeolian Harp
Comments