Guide to the Contemporary Harp

Harps and harp music have enjoyed a renaissance over the past century and today can be heard in a broad array of musical contexts. Guide to the Contemporary Harp is a comprehensive resource that examines the vibrant present-day landscape of the harp. The authors explore the instrument from all angles, beginning with organology; moving through composition, notation, and playing techniques; and concluding with the contemporary repertoire for the harp. The rapid diversification in these four areas of harp performance is the result of both technological innovations in harp making, which have produced the electric harp and MIDI harp, and innovative composers and players. These new instruments and techniques have broadened the concept of what is possible and what constitutes harp music for today. Guide to the Contemporary Harp is an essential guide for any harpist looking to push the instrument and its music to new heights.

Mathilde Aubat-Andrieu is a harpist and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l’arc (The Signs of the Arch). She was awarded a gold medal and first prize in proficiency at the Music Conservatory in Troyes (France) and gives regular performances at reading-concerts, with chamber music ensembles and orchestra.

Laurence Bancaud is a harpist and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l’arc. She was awarded first prize at the CNSMD (Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse) and has a master’s degree in musicology and specializes in contemporary music. She is author of Ton-That Tiet: Dialogue Avec la Nature.

Aurelie Barbe is a harpist, composer, and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l’arc. She was awarded a gold medal at the Music Conservatory in Caen (France) and a higher studies diploma in musicology. She is a teacher and performer, specializing in modal, minimalist and improvised music for both classical and electric harp.

Helene Breschand is a harpist, composer, and cofounder of the association Les Signes de l’arc. She was awarded a gold medal and first prize in proficiency at the Conservatoire a Rayonnement Regional in Paris. She pursues her career as a soloist in the contemporary repertoire and in new creations, improvisation, and musical theatre.

Lilian Rossi has pursued an academic career and is the author of Doctors and Nurses. Jean Rossi is an administrative officer. Working as a team, they have translated numerous academic and literary works from French and German.