I
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
PART I. — Issue, 180 copies
The Irish and the Highland Harps "
On receipt of £3 for each volume, a limited number of copies
will be forwarded to private individuals, or to Booksellers, free in
the United Kingdom.
ROBERT 13. ARMSTRONG,
6 Kandoli’h Cliff,
Edikbuugh.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
THE ATHEN.^UM, 22ud July 1905.
“It is hard to overestimate tlie service done both to archa-ologists and musi-
cians by this admirable monograph on the relics of a lost art.
“The Highland harp, twin sister of the Irish, receives, of course, from the
Scotch antiquary full and sympathetic treatment. He thinks the Scotch ‘Queen
Maiy ’ harp wortliy to be called the queen of the tribe, and this may be admitted
as far as the condition is concerned. But surely the splenditl restoration of the
FitzGerald harp pictured on the cover of this stately volume far excels the rest
in artistic beauty, not only of form, but also of ornamentation.
“The decoration of these instruments is indeed a curious and wide subject in
itself, and Mr. Armstrong has given the student of Celtic ornament ample mate-
rials for studying this branch of it in the many exquisite plates, besides scholarly
drawings which make this volume a thing of beauty as well as a mine of learning.
“We can hardly imagine that this extinct instrument, representing an ex-
tinct art (or rather I'irtuosUi/)^ will ever again receive such elaborate handling.
All that can be said archa3ologically has been said by Mr. Armstrong, and
2
whatever can be added musically must come from some practical harp-player who
is able to make a comparative study of the early stringed instruments of civilised
races.”
SCOTSMAN, 16th May 1904.
“This handsome and valuable volume lias already been fully noticed (Leading
Article, 14th May 1904). It is right, however, to call attention to the beauty
and interest of the numerous illustrations, which include full-page plates figuring
the most interesting and famous specimens of the Claracha. The volume is
addressed primarily to the archicologist rather than to the mere musician, but at
the end of each of the two sections into which it is divided there are examples
of Irish and Highland harp music.”
GLASGOW HERALD, 3rd June 1904.
“Musical antiquaries interested in these particular instruments have long
waited for a worthy historian of the Irish and the Highland harps. They have
found him at last in Mr. Armstrong, who has produced not only an admirable his-
torical treatise, but a beautiful work of art.
“The volume is one that the musical antiquary can hardly help losing his
heart over. To him it must be the poet’s ‘thing of joy,’ a ‘beauty for ever.’
“Shows a vast amount of original research, and embodies all the information
‘on the books,’ as the lawyer’s phrase is. We cannot commend this book too
warmly to those interested in the subject. Mr. Armstrong is an enthusiast, and
an enthusiast with knowledge. He is the one Jiving authority on the Irish and
Highland harps.”
THE IRISH TIMES, 17tli June 1904.
“This is a sumptuous work, about which it is very hard to speak without
being suspected of exaggeration. To musicians and antiquaries it will especially
appeal, not only by reason of the immense mass of knowledge it conveys, the
profound research of which it gives evidence, and the admirable lucidity with
which it is written, but also by reason of the splendid series of illustrations
which illuminate the text. It is produced, as we have said, on a gorgeous scale.
“The author is a high authority on the subject.
“We cannot do justice to the value of this fine work within the compass of
a brief review, nor indeed do we think that the parts of it wo would select would
be those which will be most prized by students, for, though it has great historical
interest, its real worth will be found in the minute technical details, which are
given with mo.st remarkable clearness and simplicity. The illustrations are
exquisitely done ; indeed, we have not received for a long time so interesting
a volume, so well written, so well printed, so well bound, and so beautifully
illastrated. It is certainly worthy of a place m any library.”
3
THE NOBTHEEN WHIG, 28th May 1904.
“This magnificent and monumental volume is dedicated ‘To the memory of
the patriotic Irishmen who endeavoured to preserve the national instrument by
establishing and supporting two Irish Harp societies at Belfast.’
“ We have dealt with this book at great length, but not unduly in view of
the important place the Irish and Scottish troubadores filled in the social life
of their times, and the beauty and wealth of the poetry which has been dedicated
to their memory in the literature of both countries.”
CORK CONSTITUTION, 8th June 1904.
“ This truly magnificent book now before us contains as a first part the history
of, and a general dissertation on, the Irish and Highland Harps.
“And here wo may perhaps appropriately refer to the illustrations in the
book, of which there are certainly a profusion and which enormously enhance the
value ot the letterpress, .as well as place before the reader absolutely correct
representations of the various species of harp referred to throughout the work.
These illustrations, indeed, call for more tbaii a mere passing glance, and we do
not think it has ever been our lot to, so to speak, feast our eyes on more beautiful
or artistic examples of the handicraft of those who devote tliemselves to this
branch of book producing. Tlie most noticeable feature is the exquisite render-
ing of tliQ minutest details of the marvellous carvings and ornamentation with
which these ancient musical instruments are so profusely decorated, brought out
with absolute perfection by the soft brown photographic tone of colour adopted
in their production, which is so satisfying to the eye as well as to the artistic
instinct of the reader.
Approaching the work itself, we may, at the outset, say that in the space
available for a review of this kind, it would not be within the bounds of possi-
bility to do full justice to the learning and facile power of description which the
gifted author displays throughout every page of his book.
Coming to tlie second part, we find an elaborate and equally interesting
treatise on the Highland Harp, illustrated in the same e.xqiiisite manner as in the
case of the Irish instrument.”
KILKENNY MODERATOR, 15th June 1904.
“ Patriots, lovers of music, and bibliophiles must needs unite in acknowledging
a debt of gratitude to Mr. Robert Bruce Armstrong. Patriots are indebted to
him for a complete, interesting, and admirably written history of the national
instrument; lovers of music, for a treatise on an instrument which has been
associated from the earliest times with the art of melody; the admirers of hand-
some books will be delighted with a volume, which is a rare specimen of the
skill at once of the typographer, the illustrator, and the binder.”
4
the CELTIC REVIEW. Vol, I. No. 2.
, tnirKther so much iiiformalion ou the
‘.The mithoi- of this jt'does not seem possible that any-
subject of harps, Irish and o„itteil no reference
thing further can be written a ^^^od, or stone which may
or quotation, nor any illustration, authority. He
bear upon his subject. Mn Arm minuteness of
makes it quite i„terest in all that appertains to the harp,
knowledge, and a cultured an I performers, .and its recorders
;:th^ erery^ne Who lores the
music of the Gaelic people. existence in the hook, as
“There are many ■' places. These arc very
well as reproductions of drawiu<^s and photographs have evidently
beautiful in ““ “ the”“reate’st care. There arc drawings and photographs too
oHeS^flirnamentatron of harps, wliich give us some idea of the very great
labour expended on beautifying these treasures, for they were indeed tieasuies
or the eye as well as the Lr, And besides illustrating them, the an hor ha.s
described the various instruments in gre.at detai . their measurements, he
histories, and the famed musicians who used them. Indeed not the
charming feature of the book is the almost personal contact into which we are
brought with the makers and users of these beautiful old harp.s. M o see he
men who make the harps lor the love of them, choosing with thoughtful caie the
sallow and other woods which would give the sweetest tone. We can see them,
too weaving graceful and intricate interlacing, and burning out the design on all
available pans of the frame. They worked, not lor the price to be paid, but
because they loved music and art, and theirs has lasted as work done in such a
spirit does last. No higher praise can be given to Mr. Armstrong’s own work—
this big book on the Irish and Highland Harp — than to say that it too is done in
this spirit of reverent love, and therefore it is of the best and will remain a
treasure-house of information for many generations of music-lovers.”
PEOCEEDINGS of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
Vol. xxxix. p. 9.
“ The carving (of the (iueen Mary harp) is difficult to make out upon the harp
itself ; but a Fellow of the Society, Mr. Eobert Bruce Armstrong, with singular
skill and patience, has traced the design with a needle-point on sheets of gelatine,
and has produced a complete illustration of the harp and its decoration in coloured
plates in his recently published beautiful volume.”
F
fj.
I'.
I
ENGLISH AND
IRISH INSTRUMENTS
Mu S I CAL
BMUCE AEMSTRONG,
AUTHOR OF THE HISTORY OF LiDDESDALE ic.
PART 11.
E >: G 1. 1 S .H
y/ HM
■
• #
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS
BY
ROBERT BRUCE ARMSTRONG
AUTHOR OF ‘THE IRISH AKD THE HIGHLAND HARPS.'
‘THE HISTORY OF UDDESDALE,' ETC.
ENGLISH AND IRISH
INSTRUMENTS
“Music! oh, how faint, how weak,
Language fades before thy spell !
Why should Feeling ever speak,
When thou eanst breathe her soul so well?
EDINBURGH
PRINTED BY T. AND A. CONSTABLE
1908
IMPRESSION
One hmidred and eighty Copies
PnnW !,)• T. Mel A. Cosstable, Printer, to ni. Mnjesty
At the Edinburgh UniTcrsity Press
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
PART II
English and Irish Instruments
A limited number of copies of this work will be
forwarded, carriage free in the United Kingdom, on
receipt of £2 per Vol. net, by
ROBERT B. ARMSTRONG
6 Randolph Cliff
EDINBURGH
i
L -
CONTENTS
Introduction,
THE ENGLISH GUITAR
Description. Popularity of the instrument. Gauge of strings. Tutors. The
manner of holding the Guitar. Of the right-hand fingers. Of the left-
hand fingers. Method of fingering the open notes. Double, triple, and
quadruple notes. A shake. A beat. A slur. Tuning and pitch.
Tuning in the key of G.
Mu.sic
Prelude by T. Bolton, R. B. A. When the Rosy Morn Appearing — Serenade.
A favourite song. Ma Ch’re Amie. Prelude by T. Bolton. Highland
Laddie, with variations. Felton’s Gavot, with variations. The liakes of
Mallow, with variations, .......
THE HARP-GUITAR
Edward Light’s first instrument. Description. JIautier of holding. Pitch.
Tuning. Gauge of Strings. Sade of the finger-board. Levien’s improve-
ment. F. Chabran’s Tutor. Scale of the Lute. The Apollo L^re.
Lyre and French Lyre.
Music
Drink to me only. Julia to the Wood Robin. The Duke of York’s March.
The Maid of Lodi. Hope told a fiatt’riug tale. Copenhagen Waltz.
Caulder Fair. A favourite air, with variations, ....
THE GUITARE-HARPE
Scale. Finger-board. Method of tuning. Transposition. Rule for accom-
paniment.
Music
Nel cor piii non mi sonto, with variations. Sonate. Pastorale, .
PAOE
1-3
5-24
25-40
41-52
iii
IV
musical instkuments
the H ARP-LUTE-GUIT All
E.lwar,l Lights W instrument. Description. His tutor. Scale. Finger.., g.
Tiiiiing. Pitch. Gauge of strings.
Music
Five preludes. Lesson. Duct. Two melodies, . • • ■
the HARP-LUTE
Edward Light’s third instrument. Description. Dcvelopnioiit. John Pariy’s
Tutor. Pitch. Gauge of strings. The nut. Scale and fingering.
Finger-board. Manner of playing. E.asy preludes. Mario playing the
instrument. Edward Light's fourth instrument. The Harp-Lyre, almost
the s.ame .os his Harp-Lute, ....
ADDENDA
Edward Light's Tutor. His method of holding the instrument. The slur, . SOa, 806
ERRATA
Music
My Heart and Lute, R. B. A. Eleven preludes by R. L. Downes. Duct, Mozart.
Divertimento, with variations, R. B, A. Robin Adair, R. B. A. Ah !
vous dirai-je, Maman ? with variations. Deserto sulla terra, E. B. A.
-Vh ! che la Morte ! R. B. A. Liebe Augustine, with variations. Diverti-
•■..... . . 81-9G
THE BRITISH-LUTE-HARP
Afterwauds known as the Dit,u.-Harp
The difference between this instrument and the Dital-Harp explained. Edward
Lights attempt to perfect his Harp-Lute. His specilioation. He obtains
a patent for the mechanism. He finds with slight alterations the instru-
(S D ™ Letonio a small Harp. This, his //(/i instrument, he named
the Br.t,sh-Lute-Harp. A Directory published.
CONTENTS
THE DITAL-IIAKP
Shortly alter— thiit is, within ii year— Eight adJed one or two strings to his
instrument, attached Eital stops to the three bass strings, and then
named the instrument the DitaMlarp. The finger-board, mechanism.
Directions to correct defects in nuts or frets. Gauge of Strings. Tuning.
Scale. Chromatic Scale, Manner of holding and playing. Fourteen
exercises. The Graces, Change into seven major keys. The instrument
as reiiresented by artists.
Mtistc
Exercise for both hands— A Ground. Capriccio, 0 dolce Conoento, with varia-
tions. The Cuckoo, E. B. A. Miss ^\■ade’s .Minuet, H. B. A. Beautiful
are the Fields, R. B. A. A Favourite Air,
THE HAEP-VENTUKA
Description— An almost perfect instrument. Specification. Scale. Chromatic
Scale. Change of Key.
Music
A Venetian Canzonotta. Aurora che sorgerai. Fille so mai pretendi,
. 12y-14-}
EGAN’S PORTABLE HARP
Description — Arrangement of Stops. Gauge of Strings.
Music
The Harp that once through Tara’s Hall. The Legacy. Stanco di Pascalar, with
variations. My Lodging. Ye Banks and Braes, .
H5-1G0
ADDENDA
The Apollo Lyro — Uarp-Lute-Guitar — English Lute — The Harp-Ventura, . 161
Index, .......... 163-167
Errata,
168
IIUSICAL
INSTEUMENTS
ILLUSTKATIONS (FULL-PAGE PLATES)
Title-page— Arranged atid drawn by E. B. A.
Sub-Title arranged and partially drawn by E. B. A. (Photo-lithograpb),
Three English Guitars (Photogravure), . ■ ■ •
Lady Playing the English Guitar (Block Illustration), .
Keyed Guitars, E. B. A. (Collotype),
Harp-Guitar (Photogravure), . ■ • ’ '
Instrument-Edinburgh University, E. B. A. (Collotype),
Apollo Lyre with Additional Strings, E. B. A. (Collotype),
Harp-Lute-Guitar (Photogravure),
Finger-board (Block Illustration), . •
Harp-Lute with twelve strings (Photogravure), . ■ ■ ■
„ with fourteen strings (Photogravure), . . ■ ■ ■
with sixteen strings (Collotype), . • ■ • •
„ Mario playing the instrument (Photogravure),
Harp-Lyre, K. B. A. (Collotype),
British-Lute-Harp, No. 84 (afterwards known as the Dital-Harp), R. B. A.
(Collotype), ......
Specification (Photo-lithograph), .....
Lady playing the Dital-Harp (Collotype), . . • •
Dital-Harp, No. 160, R. B. A. (Collotype), ....
Finger-board, R. B. A. (Block Illustration),
Dital-Harp, No. 305, li. B. A. (Collotype),
Harp- Ventura— Action by pressure and Lever Action (Photogravure), .
Specification (Photo-lithograph), .....
Mechanism, K. B. A. (Photo-lithograph), ....
Sub-title to Music (Block Illustration), . . . .
Cupids with Wreaths, etc,, from Arcliitettura by Andrea Palladio
Venezea (Block Illustration), .....
Egan’s Itoyal Portable Irish Harp (Photogravure),
’AGK
4
4
7
14
24
30
32
52
57
66
68
70
76
78
96
98
100
102
103
104
128
130
132
137
144
144
CONTENTS
vii
BLOCK ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Cupid playing the Lyre,
viii
The English Guitar —
The Finger-board, . . , . •
9
Examples ir., iii. and iv., ....
10
Example V., . . . ,
11
A Shake. A Beat. A Slur. Tuning,
12
Pitch, • ■ . . .
13
Scale of the Natural and Flat Notes. Scale of the Natural
and Sharp
Notes, • . . . .
U
Scale in the Key of G, .
15
Melody in the Key of G, .
16
The Harp-Guitar —
Lady Playing the Instrument, ....
27
Finger-board and Chromatic Scale,
28
Scale of the Natural Notes. Levien’s Improvement, R. B. A.,
29
Scale of the Lute, ......
30
Harp-Guitar, from Bolton’s Tutor,
31
Apollo Lyre, from Bolton’s Tutor,
32
The Guitare-Harpe —
Three Examples, ......
41
Scales and Finger-board, .....
42
Scale of C Major and two Preludes,
43
Harmonic Scales for Accompaniments,
45
Air, with various Accompaniments,
46
The Harp-Lute-Guitar —
Scale, and manner of practising the Scale,
54
Method of Tuning, .....
55
The Harp-Lute —
The Nut, R B. A.,
72
Scale, Stop, and Finger-board, R. B. A., .
73
Cadences iu eight Keys, .....
74
Chromatic Scale, ......
75
Double Notes and Easy Preludes, ....
76
The Dital-Harp —
Notch, Tooth, and Mechanism, R. B. A., .
104
Spring, li. B. A., .
105
M
USICAL INSTRUMENTS
Sutsand Fr.t.-fivo Illustrations, R.B. A.,
Tuning, Cadence or Proof, .
Scale and Chromatic Scale, • •
Fourteen Exercises for right and left hands,
The Turn, Slur, Shake and Beat, . ^
Cadences of proof in seven Major Keys, .
The Harp-Ventura
arp-veiiLuitt— -n -d a
Spring of Lever Action and Seale of the Instrument, R. B. A.,
nf the Biiss Strings, R. B. A
PACE
106 , 107 , 108
109
109
110, 111, 112
. 112 , 113
. 113 , 114
133
134
INTRODUCTION
Musical Instruments, which are now obsolete and regarded as mere
curiosities, were of some importance in their day. On them our grand-
mothers, great-grandmothers, and other ancestresses still more remote,
played the simple melodies of the period in which they lived, and so
rendered their lives and homes more cheerful.
Many years ago the writer heard at least one of a series of lectures
upon Old Music and Musical Instruments by the late Sir Robert P.
Stewart.’ There were then persons living who could play upon most
of those that came under observation, so, from the wire-strung Irish
Harp (a reproduction of the ancient Harp in Trinity College, Dublin),
down to the instruments in use at the commencement of the nineteenth
century, almost all were again heard in public. No such lectures could
now be given ; even the wire-strung Irish Harp, for which some of the
most enchanting melodies of any land were composed, is now unheard.
The blind harper, the lowly representative of minstrels, the cherished
guests of many mansions, has passed away, and there is now not a single
performer to be found.
The revival of obsolete instruments may not be required, but it is
certainly desirable that clear, distinct, and correct information regarding
them should be procurable.
A catalogue in w'hich may be found incorrect (perhaps concocted)
names for instruments, concerning which the author could have had
no information ; instruments in our National Museums which are or
were incorrectly labelled ; a confused statement in our most important
Musical Dictionary ; the deplorable mistakes of artists who have intro-
duced into their pictures obsolete instruments, which they presumably
intended to represent as being played upon," — such are the conditions that
' Thf lectures were delivered in a ball iu Abbey Vignoles’s Memoir.
Street, Dublin, and are not noticed in Mr. 0. J. ■ Seevp. 114-115.
A
mitsical instruments
i,„. «ii.r 1.
i of which are now imperfectly understood.
”»r i” o'f . l»
TL to crive the information they possess to the pr.bhc, interest
aroused, and the splendid coUection in the Victoria and Albert
ly be
Museum-
museum-the p’roperty of the nation-may in the future be looked upon
as somethimr more than a mere accumulation of decorative objects.
‘ The instruments which are noticed in this work are elegant in
form and for the most part full and sweet in tone. They are.
however, by no means perfect, and to this grave defect may be attri-
buted the fact that they are no longer heard, while the Spanrsh
Guitar, a more perfect instrument of inferior tone and form, is still
held in estimation.
The writer does not suppose that the following notes exhaust the
subject, but the information given may enable the reader to string,
tune, and perhaps play upon an instrument w'hioh he or .she may possess.
They may also, it is to be hoped, prevent the instruments noticed from
being treated by artists in a manner otherwise, than correct, so that
in this age of cheap reproduction we may not have a repetition of an
artistic absurdity transmitted to posterity.
It is impossible to give an exhaustive list of music arranged or
written for an obsolete instrument : rare as some of the instruments
are, the music is rarer still. An instrument which has been hidden
away in the lumber-room of the house in which it was once used
may be brought to light, but the music for it is scarcely likely to be
preserved. Occasionally a small volume is to be met with amongst a
miscellaneous lot, but now that the old establishment in St. Martin’s
Lane, London, where collectors could possibly hear of what interested
them, is closed for ever, the difficulty of obtaining tutors and
advanced music for obsolete instruments has increased, — increased to
such an extent, that the preparation of such a work as this is now one
of real difficulty. It is to be hoped that those who are not collectors
of instruments, and who may possess tutors or music for obsolete
instruments, rviU send all such to the British Museum, of which institu-
tion the musical library is in some branches defective.
If there are inaccuracies in the following notes, the writer will feel
INTEOBUCTTON
3
obliged to those who may point them out. When his desire is to be
minutely accurate, he has no scruple in referring to the inaccuracies of
others. It IS unfortunate, but true, that incorrect names, representa-
tions, or statements, when they occur- in published works, are sure to
be repeated. Labels in museums can be replaced, but incorrect state-
ments or pictorial representations live, and may be referred to hereafter
as proof that the false is true. Is that desirable ?
PRESTON. THOMAS PERRY.
LONDON. 01780 DUBI.IN.CI760
* ♦
%
4
5
t
►
i
i
!
t
A
♦
%
THE ENGLISH GUITAR'
An iastrument in common use dm-Lng the eighteenth and at the com-
mencement of the nineteenth century. In form it somewhat resembles
a pear or heart. The head at the end of the neck is bent backwards, and
the strings, of which there are twelve, ten, or eight (to be afterwards
referred to), are attached to small ivory knobs at the lower end of the
body and stretched over a bridge ; the finger-board, which is frequently
covered with ivory, being furnished with brass frets. The back of the
instrument is very slightly curved, and the neck is terminated by a
machine or other head, with twelve, ten, or eight keys or pegs. The
finger-board is pierced with as many as seven holes, through any one of
which a metal rod with screw may be passed, by which a piece of ivory
“ capo-tasto ’’ is drawn tight to the finger-board and fastened in front,
the fret below the “ capo-tasto ” taking the place of the nut, the pitch
being thereby raised one or more semitones.
The English Guitar was frequently in favour-, and about 1770 “its
vogue was so great among all ranks of people as nearly to break
all the Harpsichord and Spinet makers. The ladies disposed of their
Harpsichords at auctions for one-third of their price, or exchanged them
for Guitars ” ; and Kirkman, the Harpsichord maker, almost ruined
him self by purchasing his own instruments. Ku-kman succeeded in
changing the fashion by purchasing a number of cheap Guitars and
presenting them to mdliner gh-ls and street ballad-singers. These he
taught to play a few chords, and so accompany themselves. The ladies
were disgusted ; the rage for the Guitar passed, and the Harpsichord
was again heard. While the Guitar paroxysm lasted, scarcely a song or
ballad was printed without its being transposed or set for the instrument,"
1 There can be no question as to the correct Encycloptcdia Londineniis, and by Dr. Busby in
name of this instrument. It is mentioned by hia Concert Room Anecdotes.
E. Light in hia Instruction Book to his Harp- * G. Jones’s article mdsic, in the Encyclopaediri
Lute-Guitar, by G. Jones in article Moaic, in Londinensis.
6
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
and ii' the reader examines the popular ballads of the close oi’ the
eighteenth centm-y. many instances of this will be found.'
Ladies either timing or playing upon the English Guitar were subjects
which noted artists did not disdain to represent, and at the Guildhall
Exhibition in 1895 a portrait of the Hon. Mrs. Charles Yorke by Sir Joshua
Reynolds, No. 93, was exhibited. The lady is represented in the act of
tunimr an English Guitar, which is most carefully painted. There are
sixteen frets and seven holes. When first sketched the ivory “ oapo-tasto ”
had been attached above the fourth fret, but this was afterwards painted
over. In the National Portrait Gallery, Dublin, there is a fine engraving of
Miss Harriet Powell, 1769, by Richard Houston, after C. Reid, in which the
lady is represented as tuning an Enghsh Guitar. In three Instruction Books
that the writer has examined there are engi-avings in which performers
are represented to show the correct manner of holding the instrument.
The Enghsh Guitar was made in at least three sizes. On the finger-
board of the two larger there are fifteen or sixteen frets ; on that of the
smallest twelve frets. Those of the largest size that the writer has seen
were made in Ireland. One of these illustrated— signed W. Gibson,' Dublin,
1764 — measures from end to end 37 inches. The medium size illustrated
—signed Thomas Pen-y, Dubhn measui-es from end to end 31-^ inches.
The smallest illustrated — by Preston of London — is furnished with his
tuner,' by w’hich the strings are tightened by a watch-key.
A small instrument of the eighteenth century, which measures from
the nut to the lower end 22f inches, and from the nut to the bridge
16^ inches, has the toliowing strings : —
1. Steel wire,
2. Steel wire,
3. Brass wire,
4. Steel wire,iofan inch above IstC,
5. Steel wire. A, 1st Octave,
6. Brass' wire, D, 2nd Octave, ^
■ 3 ,-,„
by hun or I.r«t„,,
•ettmg.H lor the Guitar.
> Th. writer ,ooa ■■ Uib.on ao.l W.,ni„gton ”
on 1 l.uiur ilated 1770.
GAUGE OP outside'
/fl of an inch above 1st C.
1
lO )> ,,
E, 2nd Octave.
Copper coil, E, 2nd Octave.
Copper coil, D, 3rd Octave.
Copper coil, G, 3rd Octave.
^ 17/6 to 1829, .lames I’erry, another m/iki-r,
resided in Kilkenny.
* ihe patent is not recorded.
^ Erard’s Gauge.
The centre of this string is usually steel wire.
the ENGLISH GUITAR
7
INSTRUMENTS
musical
S
■ u L- f„r the English Guitar was prepared by John
i„ L.„d.. i. 1762 and
Breraner, » ^ati'e o edition of his Tutor, with sUght
established himse in ^ ^ ^ Loinrman and Co.‘ about 1782, and another
alterations, was pu i pj-g^toii - From these three editions of
edition was piibhshed by J. Uiestoii. ^
Tutor the foUowing has been extracted .
the manner of holding the guitar
Place it across the body with the neck inclined upwards ; then apply
your ri.ht hand near the bridge, so that your first, second, and third
fini^ers may hang over the third, second, and first strings, holding the
nec\ between the ball of the thumb and root of the forefinger, mchniiig
the heel of your hand up close to the neck. The best way to hold it
with ease in this position is to sling it over the left shoulder with a
ribbon fixed to both ends of the instrument, so that the hands may be
free to move up and down without interruption.
OF THE EIGHT HAND FINGEES
When the instrument is thus placed, hold up the wrist, so as it may,
together with the fingers, form a roundness ; then straight the fore-
finger and draw it across all the strings, beginning at the smallest. In
like manner return the thumb from the thickest, by which the position
of the fingers will be discovered.
The true “ fort ” of the instrument is best produced by touching the
strings between the sound-hole and the bridge, though it will occasion a
pleasing variety to play sometimes near the bridge, and afterwards as
far up as the httle finger ^ will allow the others to reach ; the tone of
the one resembling the Lute, and the other the Pipe or Organ. The
' There it is called “Guitar (orCitra)." Another
edition waa published by Longman and Eroderip.
! Besides Bremner’s Tutor, Straubc prepared
an Instruction Book. Preston puhlishcd in 1783
Ue Art of Playing the Guittar, by Edward Light.
This work, which is quite distinct from Brcmner'e,
IS of httle consequence. Of Light more will
he heard hereafter. In the three editions of
Bremner’s Tutor, and also iu Light’s, may he
found selections of music suitable for beginners-
Thompson and Son also published aComplete Tutor
for the Guittar, and a Complete Tutor by J. Oswald
will be hereafter referred to.
^ From the first edition we learn that the
little finger of the right hand should be applied
to the end of the bridge next the Broallest string.
THE ENGLISH GUITAE
9
ninuiiig ol the thiimli and forefinger across the strings as before
recommended is a lesson sufficient for tlie first day : only the thumb to
leave one string for the forefinger to begin with, ainl so the forefinger
to leave one string for the thumb.
OP THE LEFT HAND PINOEKS
Theii busines.s is to apply the strings to the frets (or brass bars across
the finger-board) so as to produce a good tone ; and this is best done by
pressing the finger on the string a little above the fret from which the
tone is leceived ; each ol these frets is, in reality, a bridge, which, if the
.string is made to rest firmly upon, must undoubtedly give a sound little
inferior to the open note.
Before the Guitar arrived at its present perfection, the thumb and
forefinger were recnmiiiemled for use. There were some that recom-
mended only these two for all, but those absurd recommendations are
entirely e.xploded by all approved masters, for common reason tells us
that such instructions must mar the performance : had we a finger for
every string it would facilitate the execution ; nor is there any reason
why a linger that naturally hangs over a string should be idle, and
another come from a distance to do its office ; therefore it is absolutely
necessary to make every finger alike useful.
Example I. shows the notes representing the open strings and
also the finger-board of the Guitar with the letters marked. The x
indicates the position of the finger when the performer is tuning the
instrument.
B
10
musical [NSTKUMENTS
Example II.
from that fcirmerly given.
Example II.
sho«-3 a different method of fingering tlie open notes
The tir.st three notes are played by the thumb,
which must not be lifted
at each, but made to slide
over them. The next three
have a finger to each ; and
as their strings are double,'
care must be taken that they are struck so as to make them vibrate
equally: only the krst three are [.layed by the forefinger instead of the
thumb.
X means the thumb.’ 2 means the second finger.
1 means the forefinger. 3 means the third finger.
Example III.
fi f ‘ [
Another lesson on the open strings.
Example IV. is designed to exercise the fingers for double, triple,
and quachuple notes. In playing this lesson, the fingers must be pressed
equally on the strings, and then drawn in towards the body, the thumb
Example EV.
the reverse, at the same time viewing the strings on the finger-board,
to iscover if theii vibrations are equal, which, if otherwise, is a sign
they have not been equally pressed.
_ Though these Examples are but short, yet by repeating them (which
IS ere designed) they may be lengthened at pleasure, taking care that
‘ Such string
onUons, or the
side red as one.
H as are close to each other
same sound, and therefore
arc
con-
In tlie Instruction Book it is in every case
shown as o, Init as this sign I'oints to the open
strings, x has been substituted.
THE ENGLISH GUITAE
II
tin more time be lost between tlie first and kist notes, than between
any two lying next each other. Each parcel of notes between the
cross-bars m Example IV. may be considered as a distinct lesson and
repeated as above.
ExjUU'le V.
Each note of the above scale has the proper finger of the left hand
marked above it and those of the right hand below. All that the learner
has at present to observe is to play the notes iis directed m the scale
and plan of the hnger-board, Example L, the one pointing out the
proper finger and the other showing where to place it.
For example. The first note C is the sixth string open, the
second being D is the second finger on the same string, placed on the
instrument as represented by the letter 1) in the plan, and so of all the
other stopped notes.
OF A SHAKE
This seems to be the only deficiency ol' the instrument ; for in every
other respect it doubtless has the advantage of most others of its
compass, as it is capable of adding the full harmony to any note the
performer chooses, which, together with its melodiousness, renders it a
most elegant accompaniment to the human voice.
One method of a shake is by sounding the note above, and then
moving the finger of that note as on the violin. Another method is by
sliding the fingers over the string, beginnmg with the first finger striking
two strings together; for instance, if you wanted a shake on D, draw
yoiu' finger over the open notes E and D together, which, if done, will
have a very good effect.
12
IIUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The next is the siime with the tomier ;
rn rhe side. SO iis to renew the vibnition.'
only with this dilTerenoe,
that instead of mo^’ing the finger up and down
perpendiciJarly, it must, in falling and rising, form
an ov;il by which it will ch'aAV the string a little
OF A BEAT
This is best done by pressing very hard on the string, and moving
the Unger that stops the note, which when done
must be kept dowui that the note itself may he
the last heard.
OF A SLUR
A slur on this instrument signifies no more than to point out such
notes as ai'e played by drawdng the same finger
over them, except in the songs, where they like-
wise show such notes as are sung to one syllable.
The left hand may play the notes in such music as descend, which
is done by drawing the string to a side, in raising the finger from
the note above. When such notes as may be played
in this manner have dots above them, care must be taken
that these notes thus played be not stronger than the
others, otherwise they will have a bad effect.
V7r luiNLJMi rnn UUITAR
Let the third string or strings be tuned the same sound with the
third finger on the fourth string of the violin, which is C.” This done,
-Q I ■ second string is made to sound the same with the
-i- ^ on the third string of the violin, which is E —
, ^ third to the former. Then time the first string
t nd fingei on the same idolin string, bemg G ; when these three
are Alls tuned they will be found these three notes.
the note alternately with the open string above,
If this metliuil is once acquired, it must be equal
to a shake on any iustrunieiit.
It will be best to slack one string until you
get the other to the proper pitch, then draw up
the other you slackened till it is in tune.
tbnmbaed fo,eli„„ J.uV T.t™
"”g=r ol the nght hand, aoimding
THE ENP.LISH GUFTAR
13
As a pi-dot ol what Jias been done, compare sucli notes as are crossed
on the hiiger-board, Example I., with the open strings above, and if they
liave tile same sound, the insti-ument is so far tuned. As for instance,
let the note that is crossed on the second string have the same sound
with the first string open, and so the third and second string.
rile other three strings are no more than returns to the same sounds,
they being eight notes lower than the former, viz., the 4tli is tuned an
octave to the 1st, the 5th to the 2nd, and the 6th to the 3rd.
EBMARKS ON THE PITCH OP THE GDJT,Ul
The notes appearing so high makes it seem impossible for the human
voice to accompany this instrument ; but when it is considered that the
music is set an octave above it to prevent too many leger-lines or
unaccustomed clefs, the difficulty will be removed. The true state of
the open notes is this : —
The notes the Guitar plays.
The notes the Voice sings.
Those Guitars that have moving bridges on the neck have the
advantage ol the others, as by such the instrument is enabled to suit
the voice with any pitch of song.
Preston’s edition of Bremner’s Instruction Book concludes with the
following : —
“For the encouragement of those who are studiously inclined and
who wish to arrive at that degree of perfection which is only to be
attained by a series of miremitted practices, the Editor has prefi.xed at
the end of the book two complete scales of all the notes that may be
played on each string, whereby such a thorough knowledge of their
different situations on the finger-board may be gained as will enable the
learner to perform the most difficult pieces ever published for this
instrument with ease and facility.”
u
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Two settles of the uatunil. flat, and sharp notes on the Gthttir, showing-
how each note may be played on three or four dilferent strings for the
better conveuieuce of executing cliflioult passages and double stops, and
what chord is produced by placing the finger across the finger-board at
any of the frets : —
Vi
iX-
<
UNiVEPSllY EDINBURGH
- f.
i
THE ENGLISH GUITAR
15
difficulty; I'lirther, that on account of the system of tuning, the instru-
ment must be much more difficult to play upon than the Spanish Guitar.
English Guitars were made with keys wliich when pressed struck the
strings. These finger-boards were occasionally fixtiire.s, the strings being
struck Irom beneath, the strikers passing through apertures in the
ornaments which cover the sound holes.' The other form is Smith’s
Patent Bo.x,” which was attached or removed from the lower end of the
instrument at pleasure. If a key was pressed, the string was struck from
above. Both are represented in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Before concluding this notice, it is necessary to refer to “ A Compleat
Tutor for the Guittar with two Scales shewing the Method of Playing in
the Keys of 0 and G,” by J. Oswald. This work, which was probably
published between 1755 and 17G0, cannot be called an Instruction Book.
Plate I. has, besides the usual scale of the instrument in C, a very
imusual scale in G, the Guitar being then retuned a fourth lower.
firing 2^^ firing 3*^ ftring ^'(tring<5*^\tring6^ firing fhifljHand
DE F G .G A B C.
The advantage of this tuning is not apparent, for amongst the sixteen
pieces of music in G which appear in Book I., three descend to B, and only
one, which is reproduced on the following page, descends to G. In the
five’ Books which follow, there are thirty-four pieces in G, in none of
which do the notes descend below D, and one, so far from descending to
the low G, ranges from B on the stave to E in Alt. It is possible that
Oswald found his scale in G unsuitable, and abandoned it after Part .
was issued.
' Olio of them in the Victoria and .-Uliert Museum ■
is stamped “ Patent lustnmieiit. Clans A Co.,
Inventor. London, No, 17 (Inrraril Street." For
this invention Christian Claus olitaincil a patent on
2nd October 1783.
' The patent is not recorded.
16
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
Manilla, a good player on the English Guitar and 7iot a bad
composer, tuned and taught the instnnnent in the key of A Ma,jor,‘
hut this was an exception. The instrument as a. rule was tuned to the
key of C.
MUSIC
The following is some of the Music advertised : —
A New Collection of Scots and English Tunes adapted for the Guittar.
Printed and Sold by Neil Steuart at his Music Shop opposite the head of
Black fryers Wynd, Edinburgh. In this work, published between 1761
and 1705, there are 49 tunes.
Bremuer advertises Merchis’ Lessons and Duets, Divertimentos, Songs
Book 1st, Song.s Book 2nd ; Straube’s Instructions ; Maid of the Mill ;
Beggar s Opera ; Daphne and Amintor ; Gentle Shepherd ; Soots Songs
with a thorough bass.
•J. Walsh publi.shed Thomas and Sally ; Midas ; and The Jovial Crew.
Da\id Rutherford published “A Curious Collection of the most
celebiated Country Dances, Airs, etc., which are now in vogue,” etc.
J. (.)swald, besides A Coinpleat Tutor, Book L, published The Pocket
Companion, Bonks II., III., IV., V., and VI. ; also two Books of Diverti-
mentos and ten Songs; 12 Sereiiatas by Pereyra Da Costa; 12 Lessons
by i\Ir. Rusli ; Oswald’s Airs of the Seasons ; Queen Mah ; Fortuuatus ;
H.ulequiu Langer and the Genii; and The Caledonian Pocket Com-
panion, 8 vols.
Ariicli; MUSIC in Encyclopajclia Londinenais.
THE ENGLISH GUITAR
17
J. Bland published The Poor Soldier ; Robin Hood ; Castle of Anda-
lusia ; Beggar’s Opera ; besides a Collection of Airs, etc.
Longman, Lukey and Co, and J. Johnston published The Padlock ;
Cymon ; Jubilee; The Golden Pippin; also Thackray’s let and 2nd set
of Lessons, and Thackray’s 44 Airs.
J. Longman and Co. published 12 Songs for the Guitar, with a Com-
plete Scale; 24 Easy Airs, by R. Haxby ; 18 Duettinos for 2 Guitars,
by Wm. Bates.
Longman and Broderip published Inkle and Yarico.
Edward Light published The Ladies’ Amusement. It is also stated
that he published monthly a collection of lessons and songs called The
Musette.
C. and S. Thompson published The Duenna.
Preston published Richard Coeui' de Lion.
Wdliam Wilson of Aberdeen published 26 Songs, most of them with
excellent accompaniments.
Thomas Bolton' composed six Rondeaus, three Songs, and three
Preludes, and selected and adapted other three songs with accompani-
ments for the Guitar or Pianoforte-Guitar (probably the keyed instru-
ment already noticed). This work was printed by Longman and Broderip.
In the preface, Bolton states it as his intention to pubhsh a complete
book of instruction, with plans of finger-board, showing the different
methods of taking passages, the proper rules for shifting the hand, and
the art of playing in different keys.
As already stated, the popular songs of the latter end of the last
century, in addition to the regular setting, had frequently special
arrangements for the Guitar.
Considering the popularity of this instrument, it is natimal to suppose
there were many able performers, both professional and amateur, and that
advanced pieces for the more accomplished guitarists were written, but
no really fine advanced pieces have been met with by the writer.
composed “ The Village
ingham Place, Fitzroy i
author of a treatise ou
Street, Manchester Squ
1 Circa 1760-1820.
18
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
® 'VsXuk.Ax . ^ c^tcw •
When the rofv morn Appearing.
THE ENGLISH GUITAR
19
(O
Arife. aod Aid the diwd, my fair.
Difpute the hlnlh v*ith yonder Eaft;
Thy breath fhall mock the fragrant air;
The light thy radient tyre increafe.
•20
MUSICAL I K S T i; U M E N T S
A Fjvonntt Song from the Coined)' of the Heirefs. '
The Nightmgjlr pliinderi^ ihe mate wido\A'ci Dove
The warbled Conplaml of the Suffering Grove
To youth >r i-pendgave fentiment New
The Object ftill changing the (ympathy trur.
Soft embers of pafsion j?et reft; in their Glow,
A wannth of more Paio may this breaft never know
Oi if too indulgent the blefsing I claim
Let the Spark cmJp from reafon that wakens the
(flame
* The melody is by Paesiello, the introduction aud symphony by Liiiley,
«n.l thu mag and ancompanimeiit from a noliime pubU«Ucf| by William Wilson, Alieriln-n.
THE ENGLISH GUITAR
21
C2)
Under firret frieodfhip’s Sacred name
Mj bofora caught the tender flamr
MayFrlendOiip in tbv bofoin be.
Converted into love for me.
Ma Chore dCc.
( 3 )
Together rear’d together grown,
0 let oa now nnite in one.
Let pity foftcn thv decree,
f droop dear roaid I die for thee.
Va Chere 6Cc.
musical instruments
PRELUDE BY T. BOLTON.
THE ENGLISH GUITAK
23
24
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The Rakes of Mallow with the VatUions
-fl — ^-:;=rr7— .lltl-
1
■ 1 ^
-#-■ — 0 mz : — k 1 • tlft
Var.l^
j’l f'l^Tr^r'^
f) _,, pf frr*^
]# -— 0 1 r ^
f 1 ifpfffi
■JJ r rr r ^ ** ** * J
.F J ..-^—
4 — — M — 1 — L4, j ru
Jf ^ f-
^ r J.
*P~P — — 1 H|#~‘
..-.L^-iH . jH
j>dLrcSJjit;j^
r"fvi — p Tf — fF'p f r
rtrrpirrrpiF^
~fl . , 0
J S- ^3^ ^
- 1 :±- a-^- 3
r 0 1 T TTT'~^^~*~^
0
harp-guitar
m
m
I
«
>1
.
h
*
%
%
%
t
P
I
THE HARP- GUITAR
This instrument was, according to Dr. Thomas Busby, invented by
Edward Light' about 1798." Light has already been referred to as the
author of an Instruction Book for the English Guitar and an arranger of
music for that instrument. Whether his capabilities as a musician were
or were not of a high order, Edward Light" deserves to be remembered
as the inventor of four or five instruments, which, although imperfect, are
most artistic in form and generally charmingly decorated. The specimen
illustrated, one of the earliest, has “ Barry Maker ” painted upon it,
“Barry”* undoubtedly being placed over some earlier name, which
name is certainly not Light.
The name Harp-Guitar" was probably given to the instrument on
account of the sounding-board and rounded back resembling in miniature
those portions of the Pedal Harp, while the neck with frets and head
somewhat resembles the Guitar.
Light’s instrument, which has eight strings, was made in at least two
sizes. One with machine head (perhaps an addition) in the Victoria
' There can be no doubt that Edward Light
was the inventor. One of these instruments
in the possession of the writer has eight strings,
and is signed “ Light Inven'"; Barry Maker."
This instrument is not an early one, and has
but ten frets. As Edward Light will be so
frequently referred to, the following brief notice
may be of interest. He is believed to have been
born in 1747, was Orgitnist of Trinity Chapel,
St. George’s. Hanover Square, and taught the
Pianoforte, Singing, and presumably the English
Guitar and all the instruments he invented. He
was Lyrist to H.R. H. the Princess of ales, and
resided at IG Harley Street ; at 34 Queen Anne
Street, Portland Chapel ; 8 Foley Place, Cavendish
Square, and later on at 38 Berners Street, Oxford
Street, and is believed to have died in 1832. He
published for the English Guitar, the English
Lute, the Harp-Lutc-Guitar, the Harp-Lute and
Apollo Lyre, the British Lute-Harj), and the
Dital-Harp. His works are now rare. There
were others of the same name who worked with
him. T. Light composed a Hondo, and arranged
it as a Duet for the Harp- Lute and Piano or Harp.
Richard Light wrote and composed words and
music mth accompaniments for the Dital-Harp,
also Preludes and Cadences for the same instru-
ment, and Duets for it and the Pianoforte. He
also wrote for the Pianoforte.
- Concert Room Anecdotes, vol. ii. p. 275.
5 A full and interesting account of Light will
be found in tbe Dictionary of National Biography.
* A. Barry of IS Frith Street. Soho, London,
was a maker of small instruments well into the
nineteenth century, and was certainly employed
by Light.
6 There can be no doubt as to the name.
I'pon the title-pages of the Tutors by F. Cbabran
aud T. Bolton there are representations of the
instrument.
36
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
and Albert Museum measures 30^ inches from nut to end. 25 inches
from nut to bridge, and has seventeen frets, the lowest being 9^ inches
from the bridge. The smaller size, represented by the plate, measures
24L inches from nut to end, 18| inches from nut to bridge, twelve frets,
the lowest being inches from the bridge, the greatest width of the
sounding-board llj inches. As before stated, another specimen has but
ten frets.
The writer cannot state that Light prepared a Tutor or arranged
music for this instrument, but he is almost certain to have done so.
Dr. Busby, who published in 1825, when Light was still alive, writes
as follows : “ The strings of the instrument are seven in number ;
the highest six are catgut, and the other consists of silk covered with
silver wire. The scale and tuning are those of the common English
Guitar with the addition of the Fiddle G ; but its tone is very superior
to that instrument both in power and sweetness, and more than vies
with the mellifluence of the Pedal Harp.”* On October G, 1825, the
year Busby published, Mordaunt Levien of London, a Professor of
Music, took out in France a patent for the importation and impi'ove-
ment of this instrument, the number of strings being seven, and the
fingering similar to that of the common Guitar." This perhaps explains
Busby’s inaccuracy.
According to Busby, Light’s instrument, unlike the English Guitar
— which, as already stated, is tuned an octave lower than the written
notes — is tuned a major sixth lower than the written notes.
As the strings found upon the instrument illustrated are evidently
those which were upon it when in use, the unstretched portions have been
gauged in case they may be of some use to those wishing to string and
play upon one of these Haq>Guitars.
SPECIMEN ILLUSTRATED
1st. Missing. 2nd. Missing. 3rd. Gut, Gauge D, 2nd Oct.
4th. Gut. Gauge D, 3rd Oct. 5th. Gut, Gauge D, 4th Oct.
Cth. Silver. Gauge G, 3rd Oct. 7th. Silver. Gauge A, 4th Oct.
8th. Missing.
Room Anecdotes, vol. n. p. 275. 3 Profesaor Niecka, from Chouquet'a Catalogue
of the Paris Collection.
THE HAEP-GUITAR
27
Early in the nineteenth century F. Chabran prepared Instructions for
playing upon the Harp-Guitar and Lute. Upon the title-page of this
work there is a pretty illustration, apparently by R. WiUiamson. in
which a lady is represented as playing upon a Harp-Guitar. This was
intended by Chabran to show the manner in which the insti-ument
should be held when in use.
In the preface to his Tutor Chabran states that “the Harp-Guitar in
point of power and brilliancy of tone is little inferior to the Pedal Harp,
and as an accompaniment to the voice most undoubtedly surpasses all
instruments of a similar kind.” Chabran’s instructions are of the
briefest. He gives directions for tuning the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings
to the following notes ^ f * f . and the bass strings in octaves down-
wards “ except the last string, which may be tuned either in unison to
the F on the first space or an octave below.” He certainly did not
follow Light, who tuned the instrument one-sixth lower than the written
28
MUSICAL INSTRUJIENTS
notes - so presumably he tuned it. like the English Guitar, an octave
lower; but he e^iplai^s that by inserting the stop “capo-tasto into the
upper’ hole upon the finger-board the tone is raised one note, and the
instrument instead of being in C is then in D major. When changed
to the second hole the instrument is in E flat, and when the third hole
is used the instrument is in E natural. Although Chabran gives little
information and does not notice the gauge of the strings, his Tutor is of
the first importance, as from it we learn that the eighth string is tuned
to F.
The following Scale ofthe Finger-Board shews howto stop every Note on the Instrnment
Chromatic Scale.
NB. A Sharp or B Flat; C Sharp or D Flat; D Sharp or E Flat &c are the same Note.
Eighth
THE HAEP-GUITAE
Scale of all the Natural Notes .
29
E F G A B C D IJ-
The eighth string, which was afterwards abandoned, was certainly
in use about 1818, as we know that on or before that year Mr. Levien
of Pentonville, probably the person already referred to, produced
an inipioved Harp-Guitar. This instrument has a head somewhat
resembling the upper portion of a Pedal Harp. The first six strings
pass through metal loops, which
are screwed to that portion of
the sounding-board where the first
fret is usually placed. Any of
these loops can be turned by the
tuning-key, which has a slit across
the handle for that purpose. A
string so acted upon being thus
raised or lowered a semitone, by this
means necessary flats or sharps
were to be produced, and the per-
former enabled to play much music
without the necessity of transposing
it into the keys of C, G, or F, as
was usual, or resort to cross-finger-
ing, the method previously in use
for the production of certain notes. The improved instrument, for
which Levien received a reward of ten guineas from the Society' of
Arts, has eight strings ; but unfortunately Mr. G. J ones, by whom it is
described, has neglected to state the notes to which they shoidd be tuned.
The writer has not met with one of these instruments, but the drawings
which illustrate Mr. Jones’s notice are reproduced in outline (see above).
Fif. 1, the head of the improved Guitar, and part of the finger-board :
* From the Triennial Directory, 1S17-IS19, it
appears that Mordaunt Levien was then living at
50 Marchmont Street, Russell Square.
poBed for the Guitar.
ft ftflfl
30
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
a. a. the nut, and b. h. the raetal loops arranged across, or in place of
the tiret fret. Fig. 2, a side view of these parts. Fig. 3, an enlarged
view of that part of the finger-board, containing the first fret, with the
loops screwed into it. One of the loops, a. a. is here represented as
being turned. Fig. 4, one of the loops with the screw-stem. Fig. 5,
section of the hole, the opposite sides of which are rounded off so as not
to injure the string.^ This improved Harp-Guitar cannot have been con-
sidered altogether satisfactory, for Levien shortly after abandoned the loop-
stops and produced another instrument, which will be hereafter described.
As before mentioned, F. Chabran prepared Instructions for playing
upon the Harp-Guitar and Lute. This Tutor was printed by Clements,
Banger, Hyde, Collard and Davis, 26 Cheapside. A Tutor by the same
person for the Harp-Guitar and Lute was also published by Clements
and Collard, Cheapside. A copy of the latter formed part of the musical
library of Hr. J. G. Morley, but is missing and cannot be traced. One
of the former is before the writer. In it there is no illustration of the
“ Lute,” but Chabran gives the scale which is here reproduced.
Scale of the Lute.
It may be noticed that this is not the scale of the Harp-Lute-Guitar
or of the Harp-Lute, but is the scale of the English Guitar with the
addition of four bass strings. There is a large English instrument
which the writer cannot name. The body, unlike the real “ Lute,” has
a flat back, and in form resembles that of an English Guitar, The head
is like that of the Theorbo, or double-headed Lute. One of these, by
Barry, may be seen amongst the collection belonging to the Edinburgh
University. This specimen has seven strings upon the finger-board and
three double strings in the bass off the finger-board. It cannot be
stated that this instrument is the “ Lute” referred to by Chabran, but it
he fciticyclopfedia Mr. H.
For the use of London.
U N I V E RSITY EDINBURGH
31
the harp- guitar
C. Wheatstone publisl.ed Instructions for his Imoroverl n t .
by ,„b. p„y. 0.
Wh°, ' “'"”8 ‘PP*™^ "'«<« t«' U» Lyre or iLp-Ook.,"
m the one m question relating to the Harp-Guitar, and the statement
does not occur on the title to a later edition of the work.
Ii^struotions for the Harp-Guitar and Apollo Lyre were prepared by
T. Bo ton before referred to. and published by Wheatstone and CV
As not only the name but the representation of the instrument appears
upon the title-page of this Tutor, the engraving has been reproduced.
^ Bolton states that the celebrity of the instruments may be attributed
principally to their resembling, in point of tone, the real Harp. He also
tells US that the Harp-Guitar and Lyre, though different in form, are
played and fingered in precisely the same manner,— the scale being’that
of the English Guitar,® with the addition sometimes of a seventh bass
String, G. Bolton, as appears from the representation of the Onger-board.
intended the performer to produce Gf As A' (or B?) and
BB from the G string, which string he states is most
effective, particularly in accompaniments, without which
the notes referred to could not be produced. He appar-
ently tuned the instrument like the English Guitar, an
octave lower than the written notes ; and although he
appears to disregard Light’s system of tuning, he remarks
that the instrument when played alone may be tuned
some-what higher, the C being then tuned to D or EiJ.
He notices the “ capo-tasto,” which, although very
useful, was, he says, seldom applied.
He further states that the 1st, ilnd, and 3rd strings
are the same gauge as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings on the violin, and
the remaining strings, silver spun on silk, are to be of proportionate sizes.
Bolton’s instructions as to fingering, etc., are very similar to those
already given for the English Guitar ; but when chords are to be played,
the performer is directed to commence with the lowest note, and pass
• This Tutor was most obligingly brought to the motion as may interest the reader has been
notice of the writer when this chapter was in printed.
type, aud Levien’s instructions had been full}* - C E G C E G. Bolton states that small
noticed, consequently only such additional infer- Spanish Guitars can be tuned in a similar inanucr.
32
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
swiltly to the highest, in a manner similar to that practised on
the Harp.'
There are a considerable number of elementary pieces, etc., in the
two Tutors noticed, but in none of them does the music descend lower
than C. The 7th and 8th strings were probably only used for advanced
pieces or for accompaniments.
THE APOLLO LYRE. LYRE. AND FRENCH LY^RE
The Apollo Lyre, an engraving of which appears upon Bolton’s Tutor
and is here reproduced, is also mentioned by Busby, Light, and Ventura.
This is an English instrument which may occasion-
ally be met with. Carl Engel named it the “ Lyre
Guitar.” The writer, in a letter to Musical Opinion,
asked if any of the readers could state positively
that “Lyre Guitar” was in use before Carl Engel’s
Catalogue appeared ; to which there was no reply.
If it cannot be proved that “ Lyre Guitar ” appeared
in print before the publication of Carl Engel’s Cata-
logue, it may be concluded that he invented a name
for an instrument about which he had no information.
This instrument was tuned, like the English Guitar,
to C E G C E G. Large Instruments formed like
the ApoUo Lyre were made. These had stands and eleven strings, four
of which in the bass were off the finger-board. These instruments could
have been, and probably were, tuned precisely as the Harp-Lute-Guitar
to be hereafter noticed.”
An instrument called the Lyre is referred to by Light, Bolton, and
Ventura, but the writer is unable to state whether or not the Lyre and
ApoUo Lyre were the same.
Wb«n playiag in the key of G the seventh intendert his Tutor to be used for the Harp-Lute,
string should be tuned F" There is a statement as he refers to the short finger-board. In one
in the Tutor that when playing in the key of F piece directions are given to fix the “ pedal ” for
the fourth string should be tuned to Bb. This producing F ^ as a passing accidental ; so it would
may refer to the tuning of that string upon appear that Levien’s instrument, to be hereafter
the Hari^Lnte, the scale of which Bolton gives, referred to, was in use.
and the diflerence between that instrument and I Light advertised in the Times, 27th January
t e arp. juitar he explains. He may have 1817, his improved Lyre of twelve strings.
.APOLLO - LYRE
WITH ADDITIONAL STRINuS
THE HAKP-GUITAE
33
Ihe French Lyre is an instrument very similar in form to the Apollo
Lyre. It usuaUy has a stand. The writer has before him Carulli’s In-
structions for the Spanish Guitar or French Lyre, published by C. Wheat-
stone and Co. Tlie title-page has to a large extent been re-engraved
apparently to allow “ French Lyre ” to be introduced. We find that at
the foot of page 1 the following has been added ; “ N.B.—The Editors of
this work has the honor to announce that having been permitted to take
a Model from an elegant French Lyre, made in Paris, for a famUy of
distinction in this Country. They are having manufactured an assort-
ment of them by an eminent Italian Maker lately Ai'rived from Paris.
The Scale of this Instrument is the same as the Spanish Guittar. ”
MDSIC
All music tor the English Guitar can with the same ease be played
upon the Harp-Guitar or upon the Apollo Lyre.
Upon the last sheet of one of Bolton’s works there is a statement that
a collection of music for the Guitar or Lyre, Op. 9. might be obtained
from Messrs. Goulding and Co. Also some music for the Lyre might
be had from Mr. Wornum, Wigmore Street.
A portion of a Collection of Airs, Marches, and Dances by Bolton was
evidently for the Lyre or Lute. He also produced a coUection of Lessons,
Songs, Marches, and Dances for the Lyre or Harp-Lute.
Bolton also arranged some of the Songs and Airs in Don Giovanni,
together with a number of other melodies, for the Harp-Lute or Harp-
Guitar. These were published by C. Wlieatstone.
F. Chabran prepared “An Elegant Selection of Songs, etc., adapted
for the Spanish or Harp-Lute-Guitar.” These were published in two
books by C. Wheatstone and Co., Strand. A number of the pieces are
headed for the Harp- Guitar and Lyre.
Edward Light published an “ Introduction to the art of Playing on
the Harp-Lute and Apollo Lyre.”
E
34
MUSICAL I X S T E U M E N T S
drink to me only, uccompt by T;BoUon.
Voice
Loti
2
T>i 9 thirit th^t from the K)u 1 doth rise*
Doth aih a drink divine;
The thiret thet from the aotil doth ri»e.
Doth aak a drink divine.
Bat might I of Jovi'* Kectar sap_,
I »oald not change for thine »
The thirst that from the soul doth rlse^
Doth a«k a drink dirine,
3
I sent thee late a Rosie wreath*
Not so much hon’ring thee.
As giving it a hope th at there ,
It could not -ft-itherM he;
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent it back to me.
Since vhenit looks, and smells^ I swear*
Not of Itself but Thee .
THE HAIIE-GUITAE
35
JULIA TO THE WOOD ROBIN.
^Adapted by* T. Bolton^
Rest thy soft Bosom on the spray.
Till chilly Autumn frowns severe »
Tlien charm me with thy parting lay,
An^ 1 vlll answer with a teaT.*^.
But soon as Spring enwreatVtlwith fiowTs,
Come dancing o'er the new drest plain.
X, Return and cheer <hy natal bowVs .
My Robin with these notes again.^K^.
^ Balton'f In |4 } ^
36
MUSICAL INSTBUMENTS
The DUKE of YORk’s March
THE HARP-GUITAK
37
s
Between the Po an<l Parma
Some Villains seized my Coach
And drag^Vi me to a Cavern
Most dreadful to approach
By which the Maid of Lo d i
Came trotting^ from the fair
She paasU to hear my wailingR
And sec me tear my hair.
Among the mild Madonas
Her features you may find
But not the fam’d Correggios
Could ever paint her mind
4
Than to her Market-basket
She tied her Poney’s rein
I thus by female courage
Mas dragged to life again
She led me to her dwelling
She chear’d my heart with Mine
And then she deck’d a table
At which the Gods might dine.
Then sing the Maid of Lod i
Mho sweetly sang to me
And when this Maid is married
Still happier may she be.
Harp Guitar Tutor
M U I C A L INS T i: M K N T S
3S
THK HA];1’-GU1TA1!
39
COPENHAGEN WALTZ
('BoltoiVi lnn7)
40
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
A favorite Air with Variations
THE GUITARE-HAEPE
Mobdaont Levien of London, as before stated, took out a patent in
France in 1825 for an improved instrument whicli he called the Guitare-
Harpe.' This instrument, which is of the same form as Light’s Harp-
Guitar, dift'ers from the latter in haiung only seven strings and having at
the back of the neck three brass stops, for which Levien probably obtained
a patent. These stops, which, when pressed by the thumb, act as nuts,
were called by the inventor pedals, and will be hereafter referred to.
The following are the measurements of one of Levien’s Guitare-
Harpes : 27^ inches from nut to end, 20 inches from nut to bridge,
twelve frets, the lowest being 9 inches from the bridge ; the greatest
width of the sounding-board, 12^ inches. For this instrument, wLich is
much more frequently met with than Light’s, Levien prepared a Tutor,
which was published at Paris,^ from wdiich the following has been
extracted : —
1st Example.
The seven open strings.
2nd Example.
‘ In an illustrated catalogue of Musical lustni- inserted it in the catalogue,
me, Its l,y J. Kendrick Pync. No. :I2a, Iko nnme . ^ ^
Lute-Guitar ia given to a specimeu. Dr. Pyne
states that he purchased a ms. IiiKtniction Book ^ Mr. H. Journet, of 43 Tottenham Court
along with the instrument, ou which that title Road, London, has most obligingly allowed the
appeared, and he, supposing it to be correct, writer the use of his copy of this rare work.
F
42
.MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Scale
with the denomination of the notes and their fingering.
E F ^
- o * , J X
Left H.idiI. o f-f
*^'*0 "hTow! .triufs ; +,tliethumln 1 , tL. first ; ■>. the second fiugor ; 3, the third finger ;
^ 4. the fourth tinger.
Scale of two octaves in C Major, rising and descending.
METHOD OF TUNING THE ODITARE-HAEPE
The first three strings are tuned by thirds, and the others by their
ower octaves. The surest way for beginners is to tune the third string C
_v anot er instrument, then the finger is placed above its fourth fret,
1C pro uces E , the second string is tuned in unison, and from the
THE G UITARE-HARPE
43
third fret of this string the first is tuned in unison with it ; the other
strings are tuned to the octave below — that is to say, the fourth is tuned
from the first string, the fifth from the second, the sixth from the third,
and the seventh from the fourth, an octave lower.
From the representation of the finger-board, the directions for tuning
that have just been given, and the music for the Guitare-Harpe and Piano,
it would appear that Levien’s instrument should be tuned to the written
notes.’
Scale of C Major, rising and descending, with the
principal Choi'ds.
Prelude No. 1, for exercising the right hand.
The pedals of brass— which are placed at the back of the neck or
fincrer-board of the instrument, viz. : the 1st under the fourth string, for
givino- the x\ ; the 2nd under the fifth string, for giving the F ; and the
. on the ee.vler will eleo find thet these not follow Lighfe tuning of that i„strun,ent.
who improved and wrote for the Harpe-Liite did
44
MUSICAL INST KUM ENTS
3rd under the sixth string, for giving D-are pressed by the thumb of
the left hand during certain passages of the music, which otherwise would
necessitate much crossing of the fingers.
ABRIDGMENT OF THE RULE OF TRANSPOSITION
When an air does not suit the voice in the key in which it is written,
but suits perfectly in another key, or a piece of music is luoie drffictdt to
e.xecute in one key than in another, it is necessary to transpose the music.
Supposing an air in E flat is too difficult, to transpose it into the key
of C (which is the easiest key for the instrument) each note must be
lowered a third, and the Capo-testo must be fixed on the third space ; it
will then be played in the original key of E flat, as if there had been
no transposition. In order to transpose from A to F, each note will be a
third lower, and, having fixed the Capo-testo on the fourth space, it can
then be played in the original key of A. But if the transposition of this
key a third lower is too low for the instrument, it will be necessary to
transpose it to F, a sixth above, and, having fixed the Capo-testo on the
fourth space, it can then be played in the key of A, an octave higher. If,
however, some of these transpositions are too high or too low, the
Capo-testo can be placed higher or lower to suit the voice.
Before fi.xing the Capo-testo it is necessary to lower the seventh
string half a tone.
GENERAL RULE FOR ACCOMPANIMENT
Ihe first note of the key or key-note should be accompanied by the
third and by the fifth.
The second, or sub-mediant, by the minor third, the perfect fourth,
and the major sixth.
The third, or mediant, by the third and the sLxth.
The fourth, or sub-dominant, by the third and the fifth ; but when it
IS bund preceded by the fifth note of the key, it is accompanied by the
second, major fourth, and the sixth.
third Ind the fifth”*’ or by the major
The sixth, by the third and the sixth.
' Oi the t*e»ty.thr..e eir, i„ the Tutor only
one h« the ped.1 mark., and in none of the
eiglit advanced
given.
I'ieces examined are jjeda] marks
THE GUITAEE-HARPE
45
The seventh above is called the leading note, and it is accompanied
with the thh'd, the minor fifth, and the sixth. In descending, it is simply
called the seventh, and it is accompanied by the third and the sixth.
It should be observed that the third on the first note of the key ought
to be major in major keys and minor in minor keys ; thus aU the inter-
vals which are not specified are always relative to their principal note.
H.4.HMONIC Scales for Accompaniments.
These two scales in C major and A minor will serve aa models for all others, either major or minor.
Air with varioos Accompaniments.
46
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
In conclusion, it may be mentioned that in the music for the instru-
ment the writer has examined, the signs indicating harmonic sounds
only occur when the notes are open.
MUSIC
The following by Mordaunt Levien appear in the Catalogue of Music
for the Guitare-Harpe : —
Meihode pour Guitare-Harpe, Parts I. and II.
Solftge ou Methode de Chant, avec accompagnement de Guitare-Harpe.
Rectieil de Vaises,
La Chasse.
Deux airs varies (Aussitot que la lumiere) et (Nel cor piii non mi sento).
Somite.
Theme vari6.
Robin Adair (Air Ecossais) varie.
Fantaisie.
Six contredanses suivies de !a Valse et du Chceur de Robin des bois,
Kelvingrove (Air Ecossais).
Fantaisie sur la Marche favorite de Mose in Egitto.
Divertimento.
Six divertissements.
Six favourite English songs.
Recueil d’airs Suisses.
Recueil d'airs Ecossais.
Eecueil de douze Morceaux pour une ou deux Guitare-Harpes.
Variations idem.
Air XjTolien varie idem.
Air Portugais varie idem.
Divertissement pour Guitare-Harpe, et Piano.
Fantaisie pour Guitare-Harpe, et Piano, Tiolon, ou Flute.
Senate pour Guitare-Harpe et Violon.
The following are by Bayard
Variations sur la Viennoise.
Deux ThJmes varies idem (Fleuve dn tage) (Et un air favoride Steibelt).
THE GUITAKK-HARPE
47
NEL COK PIU ^ON MI SEINTO.
I 1 ^ 1 ^ -
> , ^
,*1 -
^4
^ J0 •
e , 4 ^ M m-'
^ 1 i
^ i
,Tf .-
1 . Var .
p ^ f
? • -
/T]f^-p
? “ '
rV^
.gL£l_. i ^ i
! 4 '.S -^1 ^ ^ /
?
f , j ._r
JT3 rlC,-,
r
*-> ‘ ^
-y---^fr:
5
48
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
XEL COK PItl NON MI SENTO— 2.
THE GUITAR E-HA R PE
NEL COR pitr NON ill SENTO— 3.
50
iMUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
nUITlRE .
HE GU I TAKE-HAKPE
51
SONATh— 2.
CriTARK .
52
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
SONATE— 3.
THE HARP-LUTE-GUITAR
It must have been shortly after the invention of the Harp-Guitar that
it occurred to Edward Light to attach a head somewhat similar to that
of the Theorbo or double-headed Lute to a body and neck resemblhig
those of his Harp-Guitar, and, by filling up the gaps between C and E
and E and G in the bass, provide the instrument with a complete
octave of open bass strings. This new instrument, one of the most
elegant of Light’s inventions, he called the Harp-Lute-Guitar. On the
finger-board he placed seven strings, and from a separate nut three bass
strings. Of this ten-stringed instrument, a fine specimen is represented
in the illustration.* An additional bass string G was afterwards added,
and when so far perfected, “ Edward Light Inventor " ■ published the
“ Art of Playing ” on the Harp-Lute-Guitar,® a w'ork so rare, that the
writer may be excused for reprinting not only the curiously worded
Introduction, but such other portions as appear desirable.
“a short account of the newly invented HARP-LUTE-GUlTAn” '
“The Harp-Lute-Guitar, so call’d, from the structure of it, partaking
partly of the Harp, partly of the Lute, and partly of the Guitar. This
little Instrument is confessedly greatly superior to any other of it’s
^ TLe instrumeut is the property of the Messrs.
Gleu, Edinburgh. The following are themeasure-
luents ; Extreme length, 3SJ inches; from the
uut for the buss strings to lower end, 31 J inches;
from the uut on the tinger-board to the lower end,
•J3U inches ; from the nut for the bass strings to
bridge, 25^ inche.s ; from the uut on the finger board
to bridge, 17.\ inches; across the sounding-board
at the widest i)art, 12 inches.
^ A fine specimen with eleven strings, ’* Light,
Mr. JJarry maker,” is amongst the collection of
the Rev. F. W. Calpin.
3 Carl Engel caDs this instrunieut the “Harp
Theorbo.” uud the specimens in the South Kensing-
ton Museum arc so labelled. A statement for
which no proof has been produced cannot be
accepted when an Instruction Book giving the
correct name of the instrument, "The Harp-Lute-
Guitar,” is extant. An e.xp!anation of an obsolete
term, or a name for an obsolete musical instrument,
when given without couclusive evidence, caunot
be too severely condemned.
^ For the use of this interesting work, and also
for the use of the volume of Airs, etc., with
Pianoforte Accompaniments, the writer is indebtt-d
to Mr. Glen, of Bauk Street, Edinburgh. The
Instruction Book was prepared shortly after ISOU,
during which year Sir Edward Hnnter-BIair suc-
ceeded to the Baronetcy, the tunc which is known
by his name appearing amongst those in the book.
54
musical instruments
^ize and kiad the Inventor gives this short account, to shew wherein
it differs from, and particularly excells others. First, by containing a
cn-eater number of Strings, which not only renders it more easy to play
on but the Tones ai-e also more perfect by having the more open
Notes; secondly, what further militates in favor of the Harp Lute, is,
that being tun'd to Harp pitch, they charmingly unite with and accom-
pany theVoice, likewise afford a very pleasing accompaniment to the
Piano Forte and other Instruments, and thirdly that from the simple
construction of them and being strung with Harp Strings conduces to
produce the admir’d sound of real Harps, and are therby less liable
of going soon out of tune. Lastly, by way of observation, many
attempts have been made to introduce portable Instruments for Ladies
accommodation, such as the English Griiitar, Spanish Guitai, Mandola,
Mandoline, and latterly the Lyre and Lute, the Inventor of the Harp
Lute disdaining to depreciate the merits of other Men s productions,
svih therefore here decline making comparisons, leaving that to a well
inform’d Public who in their wisdom, are best entitled clearly to judge
of, and allow what degree of merit if any, may be found due to
■ Light’s.’ ”
Scale for the Harp -Lute -Guitar.
n E r G A B C D 5 T 5 !
GA B V f I I I
2 2
Manner of practicing- the Scale .
St J
1 . Octave ascendina & descending . Octave .
Preludes in F and G are given near the end of the volume, also the Gamut in F, the
perforaer being directed to tune the fourth sti-ing to By. The Gamut in G is missing,
i-ffi doubt that the F string should be tuned to F? to avoid the
difficulty of reaching to the seventh string.
THE II AKP-LUTE-GUITAR
55
METHOD OF TUNING THE HARP-LUTE-GUITAB
“ First, tune your third string to the pitch of E fiat, being to the sound
of the tuning-fork given with it ; then proceed to tune all the other
strings according to the following example : — Note when you have fixed
the pitch note to the sound of the fork, press on the fourth fret of that
string, being the red or third string, and tune your second in unison to
it ; then press the second string on the third fret, and tune the first in
unison to it.”
3 ^ String.2^String.l®.^String. Trial .
From the foregoing extracts it will be seen that the open strings of
the Harp-Lute-Guitar in the original key of C are fingered exac%
in the same manner as those of the Pedal Harp, the X indicating the
thumb, and the 1. 2, and 3 the fii'st, second, and third fingers with this
difference, that, as the longest strings are nearest to the performer, le
fimrering is reversed. It may also be remarked that although the
Harp-Lute-Guitar is tuned one-sLxth lower than the written notes w leri
played singly, when played in conjunction with the Pianoforte it .
Lned a tone lower, its pitch being then a seventh lower than its
notation indicates. Thus, in a volume of Songs, Airs, Marches, Rondos,
etc,, by E. Light, for the Harp-Lute-Gultar, with accompaniments foi
the Piano, when the accompaniment is in D the music o^ e aip
Lute-Guitar is in C ; when the accompan^ent is m G. the musm fo
Harp-Lute-Guitar is in E, and when ^he -ompa— ^
music tor the Haip for this instrument, and tlie
Tutor It IS stated^ la 1 . ,1^3 knowledge
reference to the L oi le o below the written notes,
that the instrument is to be tune a maj
56
MUSICAL INSTEITMENTS
and with the illustration of the finger-board, a possessor of one of these
instruments can with little difBoulty provide it with the proper strings,
the C strings being, of course, red and the F string black or blue.'
On the instrument illustrated, the strings, which are certainly old,
are for the most part silk and silver ; the following being the gauge
of each : —
1st. Gut, D, •2nd Octave.
2nd. Missing.
3rd. Silver, F, 3rd Octave.
4th. Silver, D, 3rd Octave.
5th. Silver, C, 3rd Octave.
6th. Silver, B, .3rd Octave.
7th. Stiver, A, 3rd Octave.
8th. Silver, F, 3rd Octave.
9th. Silver, E, 4th Octave.
10th. Silver, D, 4th Octave.
The Harp-Lute-Guitar is held slantingly across the chest and is
supported by a ribbon attached to the head and to the button at the
lower end of the body.
Ill the Tutor before referred to there are, besides preludes and lessons
some thirty-three airs, etc., arranged for the instrument; and in the
o^e 0 Songs, Airs, Marches, Eondos, etc., adapted for the Harp-
Lute-Luitar, with an Acoompanhnent for the Pianoforte, by E. Light ”
there are, besides the Introduction, twenty pieces. The writer cannot
«y what additional music Light published for this instrument. The
p cimens reproduced have been selected from the two works referred to.
Bo\L ^^'*^<=^1011 of Songs, Spanish
t-e lid i - Harp-Lute-Guiti..” These
Such pieces ^ and Co., 136 Strand,
of C and S Guitar are in the keys
* If coloured itrings of the
cMoot be procured, a,, ply „,i “''‘'‘““''y or wLit.i strings. When dry, olivt
I P'y red or black mk to oil should be rubbed over thtm.
FINGER-BOARD OF THE HARr-LUTE-GClTAK-
H
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
5S
Practical Lessons
THE HARP-LUTE-GUITAK
59
Prelude 9-
^ f f f r 1 rfl'fT
,.. |_, — pfp .. . . pf-p .
4-V-r-d f] 0 — 0- \ \ 0 —
^ J* ■ i/'
J. PJ-U4-J- -* ■
“0“ # #
ff^ 1 rMs f.rrf^
j? f f f«r^ f^'i fitfr^
■frfff f frfjff^ff
/ rtf£!r7*ff^riT7ffte
60
JU^SICAL INSTKUJIENTS
Lesson
THE HAKP-LUTE-GUITAE
61
INTRODUCTION .
THE HAi-:P-LUT£-GUITAR
63
, ^ q 1 r I t -**6
rrf frf f- frf
g ~| "f#f r 9 1
.flT]rrni--i — — ^
d . ■
r . «. P ^ " f"P
iL' ’ * '1 h °i 1
\j^ M rTlVfTr-'^rl
]^, liH<f^piE
5> 1 ^
'1 ' tori
.nil rnl:Mb
^ Vizd
1 . 1 j j i^-f^
o j # r ' 1 / r 1 /
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THE HARP-LUTE GUITAR
65
66
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
Adagio
H A R P- L U T E.
WITH TWELVE STRINGS
#
THE HARP-LUTE
Elegant as the Harp-Lute-Guitar undoubtedly is, Edward Li^ht
surpassed it when he invented the Harp-Lute, which, when at its best
is one of the finest of invented forms. It was, however, by no means
so at first, and it will be the writer’s endeavour to describe the gradual
improvement of this interesting instrument until it received that ex-
ceptionally graceful form which makes it so attractive an object.
The Harp-Lute is a development of the Harp-Lute-Guitar. Like it,
it had eleven strings,' tuned to the same notes and fingered in the
same manner. So far they are similar ; but, as ah-eady stated, the Harp-
Lute-Guitar, when used in conjunction with the Pianoforte, w^as tuned
a tone lower, its pitch being then a seventh lower than its notation
indicates, while that of the Hai-ji-Lute was unaltered when played in
conjunction with that instrument.
These two instruments are singdarly unlike in form. The double
head of the Harp-Lute-Guitar, unsupported except on one side — a faulty
construction if more than ordinary tension was brought to bear — was
abandoned, and a harmonic curve with a scroll termination, resembling
that which may he seen on the eighteenth-century French Harps, took
its place. To support this harmonic curve a very large and deep body
was recpiired, to the upper portion of the left side of which we find a
pillar attached, which iDillar supports the scroll end of the harmonic
curve, while the other end is supported by a neck, with finger-board
and frets springing from the right side of the upper portion of the
body. On the finger-board are seven strings, there being also four
open strmgs in the bass. Three of these open strmgs are provided
with stops, by which they can each be shortened so as to / ~
produce a semitone in advance when a change of key is i -
required. These stops resemble those used for a similar purpose by
Cousineau on the French Pedal-Harp.
' The writer has seen two Harp- Lutes with eleven strings. One of these has Light's name upon it.
6S
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
This is a fairly accurate description of one of Light’s early instru-
ments, but as no patent was obtained for it, Light undoubtedly had
Imitatoi's,' and it is not unlikely some one of these may have improved
upon the original form, as a gradual development can be traced. First
we find the scroll head generally abandoned for a Corinthian capital,
;in additional string to be tuned C added to the finger-board, the stops
alluded to are replaced by loop stops," the open notes in the bass
increased in nrrmber, and eventually the upper C string disappears,
and five, foiu-, or tliree strings are then left on the finger-board, while
an additional finger - board with three strings “ is added to the
treble.
The Harp-Lute as it now appears is imdoubtedly a most beautiful
instrument. G. Packer of Bath added two strings, A and B, to the bass,
which may be seen on an exceptionally fine instrument in the Donaldson
Museum.’
It was C. Wheatstone apparently who added the second finger-board,
which made the high C string on the large finger-board unnecessary.
He also added keys to the F, and sometimes to the G strings, and when
these were pressed by thumb, passing accidentals could be produced, or
the keys could be latched at pleasiu-e ; and eventually, when only three
strings remained on the large finger-board, the B string was also
furnished with one of these keys. Light also made use of a key for the
F stiing. Packer also used keys, and on the specimen before referred
On the 30tb December ISl.l, when Ligl
.Klvertise.1 bia iuatniment in the Caledonia
Mercury, be cautioned the readers to “ l>e«-are c
counterfeits offered at some umgic-aho|)8.”
* Dr. Busby in 1825, when describing it at thi
■itage. states it “has m iu laiest imin-ovtmii
twelve string.. '■ Yrf we find in Grove’s Dictior
ary the following statement : " The Harp. Lute ha.
onginally twelve catgut .tring.. ' A. before statei
they were made with eleven. Tile .speeimen illuf
tratrf „ not hy Light, but it has the sam
number of string, npon the Snger-board an
arranged in the same manner a. on one of Light’,
but It ha. not got thethnmb-keyfor.hortenin
the F .tring, and longer .nil less p-acefu:
Light, iiiatmment is finely formed.
on the Urge finger-board. Some in,tim„ieiit
were made with four string, on the small Huge,
board, the fourth being tuned B, a suggestiou of
Mr, Downes, who will be hereafter mentioned, to
facilitate the execution of some difficult passages
without descending to the long finger-board for that
note (Parry’s Tutor, sccoud edition, note, p. 2-1).
Tbe MTiter ha.s not seen one of these instruinents.
* The sounding-board of this beautiful instru-
ment has no sound-hole, probably to enable it to
Tvithstaud tbe tension of the additional strings.
As it could not be removed from tbe case, tbe
following measurements must not be accepted
as strictly accurate : Extreme length about 33
inches, breadth of sounding-board about 13i
inche.s.
-A. good specimen in the South Kensington
Museum, No. 075, has only one key, and that for
shortening the F string. which occurs in
one of Lights duets, can be produced from the
finger-board.
H A R P- L U T E .
WITH FOURTEEN STRINGS
«
THE HAEP-LUTE
69
to there are an unusual number." Angelo Benedetto Ventura, a well-
known teacher who wrote for the instrument, invented an Imperial
Harp-Lute, “ and it is possible there w'ere several other makers whose
names do not appear upon the instruments made by them.
Light is stated to have published an “Introduction to the Art of
Playing on the Harp-Lute and Apollo Lyre.”= C. Wheatstone" published
an Instruction Book for his Regency Harp-Lute. This was the work
of J ohn Parry,-' and ran through apparently three editions, from which
much valuable information is to be obtained, and in which are excellent
Preludes in various keys by Mr. Dowmes, an accomplished wi-iter for
the instrument.
Light’s Harp-Lute, according to Dr. Busby, “ though apparently in
the key of C, was tuned to the pitch of Eb, or a sixth lower than the
written notes : an accommodation provided in favour of the voice,” and
this statement is verified by a volume by Light, in which are twelve
airs arranged as duets for the Harp-Lute and the Pianoforte. In these,
when the Harp-Lute music is in C, that for the Piano is in Eh. When
the Harp-Lute music is in G, that for the Piano is in Bb, and when
the Harp-Lute music is in F, that for the Piano is in Ab.
Those who care to consult Dr. Busby's long-forgotten volumes will
find that when mentioning this and a few other instniments he writes
solely about Light and his inventions : Light’s imitators or improvers
are unnoticed. Again, if Grove’s Dictionary is consulted, Busby’s state-
ment as to the tuning of the Harp -Lute will be found without
qualification. So the inquher w'ho consults the latter work will
naturally be induced to beheve aU Haip-Lutes were so tuned ; but
' A.8 originally constructed this instrument Imd
keys to the B, G. and F strings, and loop stops to
nil the other open strings. At a subsetiuent period
keys were attached to the E, B, and A strings,
the loop stops being retained.
“ It is difficult to identify tliese instruments.
A Harp- Lute by Ventura in the writer's possession
has twelve strings. The 1st is a short string
without a finger-board, the 2nd, .'Ird, and 4th are
on the finger-board. The remainder are open
strings, all of whicli have loop stops. The instru-
ment is of fine form and «'ell decorated.
^ British Musical Biography, Brown and Sbatton,
p. 247. The writer has endeavoured to trace a
copy of this work, but without success.
* Dr. Busby mentions a person of the same
name as the inventor of the Acoucryptopbone. an
Enchanted Lyre, exhibited in London in 1822.
Concert Room Anecdotes, vol. i. p. 9.
® Perhaps Banld Alaw, the authorof the Welsh
Harper, about twenty books of instructions for
different instruments, and a vast quantity of
other music. The writer has failed to find any
piece of music for the Harp-Lute by this com-
poser ; but Downes certainly wrote for Wheat-
stone's instrument, and cctntribut&l to the late
edition of the Instruction Book.
70
.MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
that is not so. This assertion can only be proved by reference to
music and books ; so, even if the following statements are found
tiresome, the reader must recollect that they are necessary. Ventura
composed or arranged airs, etc., for the Harp-Lute and for his Imperial
Harp-Lute, with accompaniments for the Pianoforte and Spanish
Guitar. In those that the miter has examined, the music for the
Harp-Lute, with one exception, is in the same key or keys as that
for the instruments which are to accompany it ; and in the solitary
exception, probably to simplify the fingering, the performer is directed
to tune the Harp-Lute a tone higher, and so really play in the key
in which the music for the other instmment is written. Again, there
is in Parry’s Instruction Book nothing whatever to lead any one to
suppose that he, Wheatstone for whom he wrote, or Downes, who
wrote for Wheatstone’s instrument,* accepted Light’s system of tuning.
In fact, so far from doing so. Parry’s directions are to “tune the 3rd
string to C, thus and the 2nd and 1st to the E and G following” ;
further, it may be remarked that the range of two of the vocal pieces
in the second edition of his Tutor is from C to G, whereas if the
instrument was tuned a major sixth lower than the wniltten notes, the
vocalist woidd have to sing from E in the bass to B on the stave.
It is more than probable that Wheatstone tuned his Eegency
Haip-Lute to the written notes, and that the performer sang the
music either as it was written or an octave lower, as found most
suitable for the voice.
As already shown, there is reason to believe that Wheatstone’s
rnstrument was tuned to the written notes, but whether or not that
tuning was an octave lower is a question that can only be settled
by testing one of his instruments ; for, in the Instruction Book for it
there is a statement which is of value as a clue, viz., that the three
first strmgs, presumably those on the large finger-board, are to be of
the same thickness as the three first strings on the violin and the
others graduated downwards. Consequently an instrument with
such strmgs tested with the Piano would decide the matter.
In Select etc., Book 2, prepored 1
K. L. Downea for C. Wheatstone's Regency Bar
Late, there are four songa with separate accoi
panrnlents for the Hari^Lnte and for the Span!
Guitar. The vocal music and accompaniments for
both the instruments are in each case in the same
key.
harp- lute
WITH SIXTEEN STRINGS
OONALOSON MUSEUM
I
THE HAEP-LUTE
71
Fortunately one of these instruments ^ is at present passing through
the hands of Messrs. M^heatstone and Co., Conduit Street, representa-
tives of the firm formerly of the Strand, and with their pei*mission the
writer has tested the instrument, and there appears to be every reason
to suppose that Wheatstone’s Harp-Lute was tuned an octave lower
than the written notes, that is, the 3rd string on the large finger-board
should be tuned to
The following are the dimensions and length of strings of a
fine specimen of Light’s Harp-Lute : — Total length, 33 in., width,
13f in.
'i’here are seven strings on the finger-board. The 1st string, C,
measures ISf in., and has seven frets; the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
measure 14|- in. ; the 6th and 7th measure 15j; the 8th, to which there
is a thumb-key, measures 22^; the 9th 23^-; the 10th 24|-; the 11th
25 ; the 12th 25-J-. The writer has not seen a Harp-Lute by Light with
a second finger-board ; it is possible his instrument was not made with
more than one.
As a guide to those who may wish to string one of these instru-
ments, the following are the measurements of the strings of Packer’s
and Wheatstone’s Harp-Lutes, and the gauge of such strings as have
been found suitable for Packer’s, Wheatstone’s, and other instruments : * —
Small finger-board —
Packer.
lOj^ in.
Large finger-board —
Packer.
18f in.
Wheatstone.
lOj in.
Wheatstone.
17L in.
"I For G gauge F 1st Oct.
- For E ,, D 2nd Oct.
J For C „ F 2nd Oct.
1 For G gauge A 2nd Oct.’
[ For E „ F 2nd Oct.
J For C „ A 3rd Oct.
1 The instrument was made by T. Poole, and
has “Wheatstone inventor London” engraved
upon it. There is little difference between it and
others, with the additional finger-board the writer
baa seen, except that it is flatter at the lower end
to which four gilt balls are attached, on which it
can be made to stand when desired. The measure-
ments are as follows : — Extreme length, 32^ inches;
length of sounding-board, 15j inches ; from upper
end of sounding-board to bridge, 10§ inches ;
extreme width of sounding-board, 13^ inches;
width of upper portion of sounding-board, 8 inches.
= If coloured strings for F and C cannot be
obtained, clear strings of the pro|>er gauge can
be coloured by using black and red ink, and,
when dry, olive oil.
3 The Ist string on the violin gauges G Ist
Oct., but when used on the Harp-Lute the tone
is thin and poor.
OPEN STRINGS
Packer. Wheatstone.
B,'
22f in.
21-1 in.
22f in.
21^ in.
G,
23f in.
22| in.
F,
24^ in.
234 in.
E.
24| in.
24f in.
D,
254 in.
25f in.
c.
264 in.
25^ in.
B,
26| in.
None.
A,
26| in.
None.
G,
27 in.
254 - in.
gauge F 3rd Oct.
F 3rd Oot.
E 4th Oot.
E 4th Oct.
D 4th Oct.
C 4th Oot. or D 4th Oot.
B 4th Oot. or C 4th Oct.
B 4th Oct.
A 4th Oot.
Silk and Silver.
The pegs by which the strings on the large finger-board are
tuned are upon the Harp-Lute at a considerable distance from the
nuts, and unless the strings are wound round the pegs close to the
wood, and so properly strained over the nuts, the tone produced by
the strings may be more or less imperfect. To remedy this, Packer of
Bath placed above each nut on both
the large and small finger-boards,
ivory knobs. Through holes in
these knobs the strings pass, and
are thereby drawn down above the
nuts. This excellent aiTangement
may not be possible on some instru-
ments, but a nut such as is shown
by the diagram the writer has con-
structed, and found equally effica-
cious. This form of nut had better
be fastened to the upper portion
of the large finger-board by small screwnails. As may be seen, each
string as it passes the nut is grasped twice, with the result that a
pure tone is produced. The strings should be sufficiently raised by the
nut so as to prevent them from striking the finger-boards when pulled
with moderate force.
should be s' d 0° *^'^S®^'hourd, the string - When A is on the finger-board the string
^ * should be G 3rd Oct.
THE HARP- LUTE
73
Scale.
Open Strings.
Strings on the Finger-board.
i»t
grd ^ ■
Strings on the smaU Finger-board.
3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3
CDEFGABC
CDE FGABCD
t There are A and B strings upon some instruments.
♦ On soma instruments the strings A and B are u])on the finger-board.
On many of the instruments, with five or more strings on the
finger-board, a cavity may be seen between the fourth and fifth strings
and above the first fret. Into this cavity is inserted a stop, here
represented, which, when turned, presses the B string above the J
first fret. Wlien the stop is thus fixed, the string is BS; but * S
when the stop Is released, the string is Bb.' In Parry’s second edition
there is a statement that this stop, wliich was veiy defective, had been
improved, and that it was the opinion of many professors that this
stop would be better omitted altogether, and when playing in any key
requiring Bb the string should be tuned to that note. As already
stated, a thumb-key was attached to the B string when it was removed
from the finger-board.
For an instrument with three strings on the finger-board, and
I Busby's Concert Room Aneedotes. There is the instrument for holding the stop when not m
generally another cavity upon some portion of use.
K
74
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
stops and keys to the open bass strings, the foUowing directions for the
tunin- and arranging the stops and keys will be found sufficient :
Fix the stops or keys for the B, A. and E strings, then tune
the instrument to the key of C, which is the original key, the strings
on the finger-board being tuned to C. E, and G, those on the small
finger-boai-d, C, E, G, an octave higher, Ihe
open strings are tuned in octaves downwards.
To plav in F release the B stop."
To plav in Bb release the B and E stops.®
Cadence
Cadence
To play in Eb release the B. E, and A stops. Cadence
To return to the original key of C, fix the B, E, and A stops.
To play in G fix the F stop.
To play in D fix the F and C stops.*
To play in A fix the F, C, and G
stops and tune the lowest G to GJ.®
To play in E fix the F, C, G, and D
stops and tune the lowest G to GiJ.®
Cadence
Cadence
Cadence
Cadence
(a f'
A stops.
The instrument can also be played in the keys of C, A, D, G,
and E minor.
' E*rly instrument^! will require to be treated
differently. For inatanee, supposing tbe instni-
ment to have five strings on the finger-board,
the fourth and fifth, B and A, will re»,uire to
be lowered to B:» and A> when either note is
required and again raisetl to Bp and Ap when
the instrument is to be used either in the key
of C or in any key in which sharps occur.
’ When playing one air in F, arranged by
T. Bolton, the performer is directed to tune the
low G string to A ; and we find Downes directing
it to be tuned to A or F as required.
^ Parry’s directions are to tune tbe lowest C to
B!? when necessary, bub in the Prelude by Downes
both C and Bt? occur. Downes must have written
for an instrument with sixteen strings, or have
intended the G string to be timed BP.
* Ventura lowered the C string to A. Downes
apparently did the same.
^ Ventura’s directions are to lower the C string
one-third. Downes apparently did the same.
* Ventura lowered the C string to A. Downes
occasionally tuned the G string to E and the C
string to A.
THE HARP-LUTE
75
MANNER OF PLAYING UPON THE HARP-LUTE
“Place the instrument across the body with the neck inclined
upwards. The position is more easily preserved by having a ribband
fixed to both ends and slniig over the left shoulder.”
“The 3 first strings are generally played with the 1st, 2nd, and
3rd fingers, the 1st for the 3rd or C string, the 2nd for the 2nd or
E string, and the 3rd for the first or G string; sometimes the 2nd
and 3rd are played with the 1st finger and the 1st string with the
2iid finger, and others are struck with the thumb.”
“ The fingers of the right hand must be held light over the strings
in an arched position, and the thumb against either of the bass strings
in a horizontal direction quite straight. The general situation for
striking the strings is near the Star or sound hole. To produce a
piano effect play nearer the finger-board with the fingers held in
rather a horizontal direction, and quite stiff.” ‘
The fingering of the bass or open strings of the Harp- Lute is precisely
the same as that of the Pedal-Harp, x indicating the thumb, and 1, 2, 3
the first, second, and third fingers ; but as the longest strings are nearest
to the performer, the fingering is reversed.
Chords should generally be played in arpeggio. The thumb and the
fingers grasp the strings, then by a sudden turn of the wrist the
thumb and the three fingers are released in succession.
(The Chromatic Scale . )
* Parry’s Instruction Book.
76
musical instruments
Easy Preludes in some of the Keys.
If the directions already given are followed, it is to be hoped any
possessor of one of these instruments, who wishes to do so, may be
able to string, tune, and play upon the instrument. The tone of the
THE HARP-LUTE
GRES
AND MARIO
4
THE HARP-LUTE
77
Harp-Lute will be found to resemble that of the Pedal-Harp,' and
for simple music or accompaniments, when accidentals are not
required in the bass, it must be excellent ; but even when the Harp-
Lute is furnished with movable keys, it may not be possible to use
them when the movement is rapid. Certainly few accidentals below
C occur in any of the advanced solo pieces the writer has examined.
Before concluding this notice, some reference should be made to
the reproduction of a long-forgotten photograph taken during the
palmy days of Italian Opera, when Grisi was still great, that prince
of tenors, Mario, in his prime, and II Trovatore the popular opera of
the day. The costumes are those worn by those great artists during
the first act of the opera, and Mario is supposed to be singing the
opening serenade, “ Deserto Sulla Terra,” and accompanying himself
upon a Harp-Lute.' The photograph is interesting as showing the
appreciation of an artist, who in stage costume, etc., was so much
in advance of his time, for the beautiful little instrument that has
been described ; but we, with our more exact knowdedge, cannot but
be surprised to find a troubadour in a supposed fifteenth-century
costume playing upon an early nineteenth-century instrument before
a Victorian viUa ; but, when this photograph was taken, such
anachronisms passed unheeded, and the prettily conceived picture
was lithographed for the title-page of J. L. Hatton’s w'ell-known song.
“ Come live with me and be my love,” one of the few English songs
occasionally sung by Mario.
The writer thinks it desirable to notice here another of Edward Light’s
inventions, the “ Harp-Lyre.” Dr. Busby states that it diflers from the
Harp- Lute “ only in the shape of the body, which is flat at the back
and somewhat similar to that of the Apollo Lyre.” This instrument
is mentioned in the following curiously worded advertisement which
appeared in the Caledonian Mercury, 30th December 1815 : —
“ Musical Cabinet for Portable Instruments, the most desu'able
ever before ofi'ered to the public mind of superior judgment and taste,
viz., newly invented Harp-Lute and Harp-Lyre, which produce the
' Ventura asserted that his improved Harp- of this instrument is to be attributed principally to
Lute was “ eciiial to the Harp.” Light stated its resemblance iu point of toue to the real Harp.’
th.at his instrument had ■' the same sound and = The instrument is singularly like that by
otTcet as real harps"; Parry, that ” the celebrity Wheatstone already noticed.
the HARP-LUTE
79
MUSIC
It is impossible to say what amount of music was written for the
Harp-Lute, but considering the number of these instruments manu-
factured by the various makers, it must have been considerable.
Besides the Instruction Book already mentioned, Light certainly
produced a number of volumes. In one of these, Book the First No 3
Vol. II., there are six Divertimentos and Airs with variations, also ’shorter
pieces, composed and arranged by him. Another, No. 3, Duets for the
Harp-Lute and Pianoforte or Harp, has already been referred to.
R. L. Downes, a professor of music at Cheltenham and Bath, before
referred to, prepared selected airs and lessons as practical exercises, with
four favourite Venetian songs arranged for the Regency Harp-Lute, to
show the brilliant effect of additional strings, and the application of
keys and other improvements, in the keys of F, C, G, D, and A. Also
Op. 4 , twelve favourite songs adapted to popular national airs with an
accompaniment for the Harp-Lute, in the keys of F, G, C, and D. Three
of these songs are Irish Melodies which Moore's words have made
familiar, but Moore’s words being copyright, others had to be supphed.
The accompaniments are all full. Also a 2nd Book of “Select Airs with
preludes as Practical Lessons and 4 Favourite Italian Songs” in the
keys of G, C, D, F, EB. These were published by C. Wheatstone and Co.
Angelo Benedetto Ventura, who taught the instrument to the
Princess Charlotte of Wales, as aheady stated invented the Imperial
Harp-Lute. He published twelve Italian, French, and English
airettes arranged with an accompanmient for the Harp-Lute, in the
keys of F, C, G, and A. The accompaniments are very full. On the
title-page of these airs the following appears : — “ N.B. — The above songs
are adapted for his last new improved Harp-Lute, superior to any
other yet invented, as it is equal to the Harp.”
He also published the following “ Duetto con varidazioni for the
Harp-Lute and Spanish Guitar,” in the keys of C and G. Thema with
six variations for the Imperial Harp-Lute, with an accompaniment for
the Pianoforte or Spanish Guitar, in the key of C. A new and elegant
collection of waltzes, minuets, and marches for the Imperial Harp-Lute,
with an accompaniment for the Spanish Guitar, in the keys of C and G.
JO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Besides the before-mentioned, C. Wheatstone apparently published
twelve Quadrilles for two Harp-Lutes, or for a Flute with a Lute
accompaniment; also a selection of favourite Airs arranged for the
Harp-Lute in parts.*
Thomas Bolton, before referred to, probably the musician of the
same name who contributed to Parry’s Tutor, published a collection
of Lessons, Songs, Marches, and Dances for the Harp-Lute or Lyre.
These were selected from his own musical publications or adapted by
him, also three Italian Songs with accompaniments.
Bolton also arranged some of the Songs and Airs in Don Giovanni,
toc'ether with a number of other melodies for the Harp-Lute or
Harp-Guitar. These were pubUshed by C. Wheatstone.
Amongst “a collection of Airs, Marches, Dances,” etc., by Bolton,
some for'’ the Lute are apparently intended for the Harp - Lute.
Probably other teachers whose names are now forgotten wrote for the
instrument ; if so, and such compositions are discovered amongst collec-
tions of old music, it is to be hoped they will be preserved, or forwarded
to the British Museum for preservation.
Amongst a collection of music in MS. obligingly placed at the dis-
posal of the writer by Dr. Kendrick Pyne of Manchester are several
advanced pieces for the Harp-Lute, some by R. L. Downes, T. Light,
R. Light, and others.
1 The writer is indebted to the Messrs. Songs, by S. J. A. Fitzgerald, he will learn how
Wheatstone tor No. 1 of this series. In it Bishop's well-known melody came to be so
“Home Sweet Home” appears as a “Sicilian named.
If the reader turns to Stories of Famous
hai:p-lutk
80 «
ADD E N D A
Ihe writer has recently had the advantage ol’ examining a volume of
music for the 1 [ai*p-Lute, amongst which there is “ New and Complete
Instructions,” by Edward Light, from which the following has been
extracted : —
THE MANNER OF HOLDING THE HARP-LUTE
“ Place it ill the lap, nearly peipemlictilar, rather inclining a little backwardij, so that
the performer can ju^L hiiv'e u side-view of the strings ; the left arm a little raised and
held in a semicircular for m, the point of the thumb placed in the groove or hollow at the
back of tlie neck, the forefinger a little above the nut or ledge of ivory, at the lop of
the finger-ijoard, with all the lingers rather curved and hanging easy anil close as possible
to the strings, so as not quite to touch them ; the riglit arm to be kept down, and pressed
gently against the side of the Instrument, which serves not only to keep it steady, but
likewise affords :i more coiiimanding action of the fingers. The thumb of the right hand
should generally be kept straiglit upwards, the fingers a little bent, and regularly inclined
downwards ; the fullest and best tone is produced by touching the strings about miilway
between the Bridge anil the finger-board; but in onler to produce the different effects of
Forte and Piano, we play higher or lower at pleasure.” “ Observe in pjissing the thumb;
let it always be above the fingers, never under.”
This Tutof is a late edition, as the thumb-key for the G-string is
noticed. This key is not found on Light’s early instruments. As already
stated, Light tuned his instrument one-sixth lower than the written
notes, ['le evidently treated it not as a Guitar, but as a Harp. His
instruction with regard to the “slur” is, when two notes in the treble
are. to be produced from the same string, one irom a fret and the other
an open note, the latter is to be struck first, and without pulhng the
string a second time the finger is to be pressed above the fret. Ihis is
the “slur” ascending. For the “slur” descending, pull the string from
the fret and then draw off the finger and the open note will sound. The
same when three notes are to be slurred. Light says this method ot
lingering is excellent in rapid passages. In the Tutor, besides exercises,
etc., in C, there is music in A minor, F major, D minor, G major, and
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
SO''
E minor, and it appears that he produced harmonic sounds not only frona
open strings, but from strings pulled from the frets, ihe following also
appears : —
-Mmanv import, . or imitaiioas of thio a.lmircl little iastrument have crept abroad
and are imp;>se,i upon ladies as Edward Light’s real Harp-Lutc, the inveu or hmks ,
here a duty incumbent on him to declare, that all imstroments unanufacmred for him, and
by his order, are numbered, and also luu'O his n.ame and address upon tlieni, and that no
otheri? are real Harp-Lutes.”
At the end of the Tutor there is a list of music already published
for the Harp-Lute by Light. The following have not been noticed in
the previous list of music : —
VrtL. I.
No. 1. The Tutor.
No. -2. A Collection of Songs, Airs, etc., for the Lute, with an accom-
paniment for the Piano-Forte or Harp, . .4s.
No. 4. Collection of Songs with accomiianiments, . 4s.
No. 5. Collection of Hymns and Psalmsd etc., . . .4s.
No. 6. Collection of Songs with accompaniments, . .4s.
VOL. ii.
• No. 1. Collection of Songs with accompaniments, . . .4s.
No, 2. Collection of Italian Canzonets, etc., for the Piano-Forte, with
accompaniments for the Harp-Lute, . .4s.
No. 4. Collection of Scotch and Irish Melodies, . .4s.
No. 5. Do. do. do., 2nd set, . 4s.
No. 6. Italian, French, and English Aricttcs, .... is.
Preludes and Recreations, ..... 6s.
VoL. HI.
No. 1. Favorite .Airs with var" , etc., composed and adapted for the
Harp-Lute by Tiiomas Light of Bath. To be had at
Edward Light’s place of business, 8 Foley Place.
E R R A T A
P. 68, 14th line, delete " which” and insert “as did also J. Royland ? of Sheffield, as.”
19th line, alter “by” insert “the.”
23rJ line, after “the” in.sert “Donaldson Museum.”
Thin part U for the Harp-Lute and Lyre, which instrument Light claims to have inveuted,
Probably tlir Harp-Lyre alrearly noticed.
the h a K P - l u t e
81
MV ilEART vVND LUTE.
VrORUa BV IHOM.S MOOBE. UELOUV BY SIB IIESRY BISHOP.
Tli.VE THE 1>JW Ct HTHIXU TO A1
I,
musical instruments
S2
TRELCOKS BY R. L. DO\YlsES.
the HARP-LUTE
PRELUDES BY R. L. DOWNES.
83
MUSICAL INSTKUMENT8
DUET BY EDWARD LIGHT.
N9 3.
the ha EP- lute
85
DUET BY EDWARD LIGHT.
11
musical instkuments
DITEBTniENTO.
BT KDWAED LIGHT.
Di T.OB UTMDUCID IK iCHIU-K KT DKIBUnK.
THE HAKP-LUTE
b7
DIVERTIMENTO.
VY EDWARD LIGHT.
'J'a'T. 6
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
THK HARP-LUTK
89
ROBIN ADAIR.
TBE INTRODUCTION AND SYMPHONY BY JOHN PARRY. THE ACCOMPANIMENT BY ANOKLO B. VENTURA.
MOUER^YTO.
Wbat'i thu dull Town Ui me, Ro bin'i not n«Ar1 wm'I I wuh'd to
— p r
p-n f fi
J i
•
3. 3-
What made th' Aiiembly thine I
Robin Adair.
'What made the Ball ao final
Robin Adair.
What, when the Plaj wu o’er,
What mado mj heart to aorol
Oh I it waa parting with
Robin Adair.
But, tho' thon'rt eold to me,
Eohin Adair.
I U (till be true to lhao,
Robin Adair.
For him I lov’d to well
Still in my heart ahall dwell;
Oh I I shall ne'er forget
Robin Adair.
M
90
musical instkumexts
THE HARP-LUTE
ARIVOUS DIRAI-JE. MAMAU 1
musical instkuments
DESERTO StJLU. TERBA, Jt l-HOEAroAA', VERDI.
THE ACOTEIP.IKI11E.VT CA» BE PLAVED UPON A BARP LUTE IF THE F 8TB1KG HAS A MOVEABBE KEV.
0 WHET THE B SiaiSC 18 OPP THE PIEOIR.BOAED, IK PLACE OF O PLAT L
AII1 CHE LA MORTR IL TSOriTORS. VERDI.
WHXM THg IXSTlDMOrr HAS FOUKTUN KT&INGS TUNI TBS LAST SmiNO TO A
THE HAJiP-LUTE
93
94
MUSICAL I N S T K U M E X T S
L : £ jj S r.
crveviiv: /.* 2
AREANOED by R. L. DOWNES.
a !a ^V;^l1z.
THE H ARP-LUTE
95
LIEBE AOGUSTIFE.
VAR;6.
96
MUSICAL IxVSTKUMENTS
divertimento.
M'.;
BRITISH LUTE-HARP
AFTERWARDS KNOWN AS
DITAL-HARP
T H E B R I T I S IT - L U T E - H A R P
AI'THRWAUDS KNOWN AS TRK TlITAI.-HARr
Edward Light, tlie inventor of this instrument, hy first naming it
the British-Lnte-Harp, and afterwards, without explanation or excuse,
changing that name to Dital-ITarp, if he did not confuse tliose of
his own time, has left a puzzle to posterity. So it may perhaps be
better to state plainly :ind at once that the term Dital-Hai'p can be
applied to a British-Lutc-Harp with either seventeen or eighteen strings,
but the term British-lAite-Harp cannot be applied to a Dital-Haip which
has nineteen strings.
Light, who had for a considerable time been engaged in endeavouring
to perfect his Harp-Lute, obtained a patent upon the 18th June 181C
for certain mechanisms which he proposed to apply to that instrument.
By these mechanisms the strings were to be lengthened or shortened,
so as to enable the performer to produce a semitone lower or in
advance on any one at pleasure. Four distinct mechanisms were
patented : three of these were intended to draw the strings from
nuts to frets, the fourth to raise the string above the nut, so that
the string, when raised, would sound a semitone lower than when
on the nut.
The proposed instrument in form somewh.at resembled Light’s Harp-
Lute, which perhaps had not arrived at its latest development, and the
additional C string in the treble had not then been placed upon the finger-
board. Light filled up the gap which occurs on the Harp-Lute in the bass
by adding A and B strings. He also added two additional bass strings
E and F. He now had an instrument ranging from E to C without
a gap. The C, E, and G strings, as on the Harp-Lute, weie on a
finger-board, but it is clear his intention was to tune his new instiument.
not like the Harp-Lute in G, but as the Single Action Harp in EE
So, to overcome the difficulty presented by the EtI on the finger-
N
98
MUSICAL INSTKUJIENTS
board, he attached above the nut from which that string was stretched
one of the small mechanisms for which he obtained a patent,* which,
when pressed, raised the E string off the nut, the string being then Ek
The mechanisms for which he obtained the patent Light called
Ditals or Thumb-keys, and to every string, with the exception of C
and G in the treble, these Ditals or Thumb-keys were to be applied.
Those to be apphed to the strings from B to B were to be of the
same form, but on the four lowest bass strings different Ditals or
Thumb-keys were to act. In the illustration supplied with the
specification only one appears, but it was his intention, as he states,
to apply them to all the four strings. The instrument was intended
to rest upon the lap of the performer ; so, to the lower portion of the
body, a stand was attached. As it had a finger-board like the Harp-
Lute, it was to be played upon with the right hand like that instrument,
the fingeis of the left hand being engaged in pressmg the strings to
the frets when necessary, wliile the thumb of the left hand, when
required, pressed the Ditals. These Ditals were not intended to be
pressed except by the thumb, and were consequently called Thumb-
keys. They were fixed stops at pleasure, but when requii'ed they
could be released. The eyes through which the strings passed, and by
which they were to be pulled down to the frets, were made sufficiently
broad at the top to enable the performer to press such of them as
were within reach and so produce passing accidentals, that is, if it
was found more convenient to produce an accidental by that means
than by the ordinary method of pressing a Dital by the thumb. This
is a brief description of the instrument, one of which was constructed,
and which is represented in the reproduction in outline of the coloured
drawing lodged with the specification.
This instrument Light called the British-Lute-IIarp ; but when
It wa.s before him he must have seen that with slight alterations
it would become a small harp, and could be played upon with both
hands~the bass with the left and the treble with the right. He
consequently removed the stop from the E string and added D, F, and
A stnngs to the treble, placing one or two of the highest strings on
a finger board with frets. The sham harmonic curve, which may be
' Figures }> and 9 on the diagram.
J
1
M
A.l) WIG Junr.m.NV k)H
IJGUTS .SI'KCIKK'ATION.
jUrdln.' Gvoik.i Kuwaiui livHf and M'iluam .Si*«>TTiswooDr.
int)T< tnihf OirrnS tnrxi Firfllnil Mnn'Mv Ifi.**?
THE BEITISH-LUTE-HAK]’
99
seen in the illustration, ruoeived additional support, which enabled
Light to attach a Dital stop, similar to the others in use, to the
A string in the bass. The Ditals or Thumb-keys, which he had
proposed to attach to the lowest bass strings, were abandoned, and
replaced by three loop stops similar to those in use on the Harp-
Lute. It not being possible to attach Ditals to the strings in the
treble above C, these strings, when a change of key became necessary,
were to be lifted from the nuts, from which they were stretched, and
placed in notches on the frets below the nuts. The manner of playing
upon the instrument being now changed from that origuially intended,
and the left hand, except on rare occasions, being required to play
the bass, the iirst linger bent was hereafter to be used for pressing
the Ditals. The term Thumb-key, which occurs in the specifica-
tion, now a misnomer, was discontinued, and Dital stop took its
place.
It is impossible to say how' many of these instruments were made.
The specimen. No. 4, in the South Kensington Museiuu, illustrated in
Grove’s Dictionary under the title Dital-Harp, is one,' and it may be
remarked that the instrument referred to luis no stand, but has a
button at the lower end to which a ribbon was to be attached. It
is possible this instrument may have been specially made to suit some
pupil or performer on the Harp-Lute ; certainly the A string in the
treble which is on it was shortly after abandoned, and we next find
the instrument with seventeen strings and with a stand.
A New and Complete Directory to the Art of Playing on the
Patent British-Lute-Harp w;is prepared by Edward Light, a copy of
which may be seen in the British Museum." In the catalogue of the
Library the date is given as IS 17, on what authority is not stated,
but in the work the pupil is referred to an engraving, to show the
manner of holding the instrument and the position of the fingers ; so
presumably the engraving," which represents . a lady in the act of
playing upon the instrument, was issued along with the Directory.
This engraving, wliich is stated to represent the British-Lute-Harp,
> The writer has aeeu an instrument with fur an instrument with auvoiiteeii strings.
figlitci'U strings, No. 99. * 'I’his is aquatint and line, liy J. Minoei and
* It is evident that this Tutor was prepared Stadler, from a drawing by iiuniey.
100
M U S I (’ A L INS T K IT M K N 1 S
„„ ,,„Ui.l,ed, F.bv..rj I ISI» 1.. Ub. Hi»cto,,
advertised.
THE UITAL-HARP
Li.'ht afterwards added two additional strings, A and B, to tlie treble,
the bop stops to the three bass strings were abandoned, and these
strings were furnished with Uital stops, and the name of the instrument
changed from BritLsh-Lute-Harp to Dital-Harp. A new Directoi-y had
now to be prepared. The engraved title-page of the original Directory
was retained, the name of the instrument being altered. The engraving
of the lady playing the instrument was ;rgain issued — this time with
the title Dital-Harp— and a new Preface and other letterpress engraved.
Most of the plates of exercises and music were retamed, but altered
when necessary, that is, up to page ’20, after which page entirely new
music was printed. This new Directory, which is stated to be the
second edition, is dated November 1, 1819. In it all the music
formerly issued for the British-Lute-Harp was again advertiserl as for
the Ditid-Harp, and additional music for the new instrument also
appears in the advertisement. This list was afterwards added to as
new music was issued. Eventually the Directory was olfered to the
public without the engraving (the plate perhaps being worn out or
the costume considered antiquated), also without date or list of music.
The mstrument in point of form was at its best before it received
the two additional strings and its new name (see No. 84 illustrated).
After that the body was increased in size ; the number of strings to
be u.sed for the bass, which was originally nine, was increased to
ten (see No. IGO), and eventually to eleven. The spacing of the
strings was also increased, the sham harmonic curve abandoned, and a
much heavier' and more rigid instrument, occasionally without sound-hole
' On account of the weight, tliese late iustru- portion of the stand there is usually a wooden
ments are steady on the lap. The chief difficulty support. Attach to each side of this support
in playing sonic pieces on the early inatruments pieces of shett-leud, and the additional weight
■a want of steailineoa, hut the weight may be will prohnWy help to steady the instrument,
wmewhat mcrcased in the tollowing manner: The stand is not intended to be used except
Itemiwo the screwoaUs by which the stand is when on tlio lap. The instrument is likely to bo
attached to the mstrument. Across the hoUow broken if placed standing and allowed to fall over.
Imiun Av IStum'ii
f’'. ' ' «l ■'•tiullrt
TI!E PATENT DITAL^HARJ^.
t* ■*.
THE I)ITAL-1T ARP
101
iu front, vvitli Jiiuinislied vibration and tone in the treble, was con-
structed, of which No. 305 is a specimen. The early, and, indeed, most
ol' the instruments made before the false harmonic curve was abandoned
are full and sw'eet, the tone much resembling that of the i’edal-Harp.
Dr. Busby, in his Concert Room Anecdotes, published in 1825,
writes as follows : “ The Dital-Harp, also devised by E. Light, and
.so called from the Italian word dila, finger (the action or machinery'
by wliich the semitones are effected being pressed by the linger instead
of the foot), though not unlike the Harp-Lute in form, is totally
different in the arrangement of its strings, in the method of performing
on it, and in its general effect. This instrument is strong in tone,
tuned precisely as is the Pedal-Harp,' and is also played upon with
both hands, the only difference being that in the way it is held the
order of the strings is inverted, the longest or bass strings being
nearest to the performer — a convenience effected by a simple little
machine attached to each string, for which the inventor obtained
a patent.” “
“ The Dital-Harp may be played on in all the usual Harp keys, and
every semitone may be expressed at pleasure. Its compass has the
e.Kteut of three octaves— that is, from Eb below the bass del to
Eb in alt. Its tone is of a dulcet quahty, and umjuestionably,
the Pedal-Harp excepted, this instrument is the must ehgdde ac-
companiment to the human voice.”
This appreciative paragraph by a cultured musician who bad ample
opportunity of hearing the Dital-Harp when performers on the
instrument were numerous, may perhaps induce some ot the possessors
of these instruments to attempt to play upon them; and it is the
object of the writer to make tliis not only possible, but simple. But
before proceeding to that portion of the chapter, it is necessai-y to
refer to a statement by Dr. Busby to the following effect: “The
Dital-Harp may be played on in all the usual Harp keys, and every
semitone may be expressed at pleasure.” This is no doubt what
Light intended; but Light, a busy man, must have depended upon
certain instrument-makers, and so defects crept in of w nc ' P™ " J
Light was unaware. For example, on No. IGO illustrated, 13 canno
* Tbifl ui correctly reproduced.
That i8, to the written notes.
102
MUSICAL INSTEUMENTS
be expressed in the keys of GB and Dfl ; FS and GB cannot be
expressed in the key of AB ; and DB, FB, and GB cannot be expressed
in the key of EB. A performer may use a Dital-Harp for years
without recjuiring any one of the missing notes, but if the readei
examines the accompanying diagram* of the frets, he will see how in
some cases the missing notes may be supplied ; for on this diagram an
additional finger-board — which is shaded — the writer has lately added,
and upon this additional finger-hoard the three missing notes can be pro-
duced. It may be of interest here to state that the range of the
instrument can be increased to four octaves by constructing a small
finger-board such as represented on the diagram, which finger-board
can, when required, be made to grasp the aides of the permanent
finger-board, and so remain in position as long as desired.
It was not necessary for Dr. Busby to notice the defects in the
instrument, even if he was aware of them, but it is the writer s
duty to do so ; for, with all its elegance of form and delightful
quality of tone, the Dital-Harp is by no means perfect. For instance,
only one accidental can be produced at a time ; that is, if AB is required
throughout, as on the Pedal-Harp, two Dital stops must be fixed for the
bass strings, and one treble string removed from the nut to the fret.
To produce even a passing accidental, the left hand must drop the bass
to press a Dital stop or press a string to a fret in the treble. To
change the key the strings must be rearranged, and, as this takes
time, a sudden change oi’ key is as a rule impossible. Still, with all
its defects, the Dital-Harp is a charming instrument, and must be a
delightful accompaniment for the voice, and within its own limits is
both in form and tone vastly superior to the Spanish Guitar.
MECHANISM
The mechanism of the Dital-Harp consists of a series of levers
ranging from one inch and three-quarters to four inches and three-
eighths in length. These levers are supported at their centres by
perpendicular supports of steel, each of which, along with the spring
which keeps the lever in position, is fastened at the lower extremity to
a large brass plate, about one-tenth of an inch in thickness, which
* llic dotted lineH show ihe striogs when they are removed from the nuts to the frets.
WS\l
DITAL-HARP N®I60
THE DITAL-HARP
103
104
M V S I C A
L instruments
1 , 1 nf the mechanism. This brass plate is sunk in a
sustains the of the instninieiit. and there secured by numerous
:::;ws. Ihf Ihl bem. enclosed by a piece of painted wood fastened
" t consist of a knob (to be i^essed by the
A Uitai srup j ^ attached to one end ot
- ,'T..ru: :r p":. i
'1^ “ . ill pi.» Of Ilk. • — » *'■»
"Tiit-d is' nressed by the finger and it is required to be faxed, it is
"U^dowLards. and then the notch at the end of the rod becomes
Ltened as it were to the tooth, the “
of the string wliich is drawn back, keeping it in its place. The Dital
is released by a slight upward push.
It is obvious that the notch and its corresponding tooth must
eventiiallv wear away, and when in that state a sUght and accidental
touch may release the DitaJ and cause inconvenience. Of course, it
an instrument is so much worn that the stops will not remain fixed
the whole of the mechanism wiU have to be removed and a new and
larirer tooth made to replace the one worn away, the notch in the rod
At the opposite end of the lever a small rod is attached, which
has a slight ledge .sufiicient to hold in its place a leather washer oi
buffer, which buffer, ivhen a Dital is released, rests against the brass
plate through which the remaining portion of the rod passes. At the
DUAL
harp N 30 5
K
p
THE IJITAL-HAEP
105
end of this rod there is a screw to which the brass eyehole is secured.
The harp string passes through the eyehole, and by it the string is
drawn back when required.
The diagram already given shows the position and action of the
springs supplied to the smaller
levers. The longer levers are
supplied with a totally diS’erent
form of spring here represented,
To remove the mechanism, unscrew all the eyeholes,' unscrew all
the Dital knobs (these last are usually numbered), unscrew the wooden
plate at the back. Take out all the screws by which the brass plate
is fastened to the instrument. If it is required to remove any of the
levers from the brass plate, they must all be removed (down to the
one the removal of which is deshed) in the following manner, com-
mencing with the longest. First unscrew the pin in the centre of
the lever, then insert a piece of string under the spring, raise the
spring and push forward the lever until it can be removed. Eemove
the four follow'ing levers in the same manner. To remove the eight
shorter levers, fix the stop and press the other end of the lever while
unscrewing the pin. The above directions must be attended to while
replacing the levers. Almost all the parts of the mechanism are
numbered, the five long levers by dots, and the eight short levers by
numerals.
The jarring sound rvhioh sometimes occurs when the string is struck
from the nut, may arise from the groove in the nut being too wide,
the nut not being high enough, the string not passing directly through
the eye, or the string not being sufficiently strained over the nut.
If the jarring sound occurs when the string is stretched fi'om the
fret, it shows that the Dital does not draw the string down sufficiently
above the fret, or that the fret is too low.
To make an instrument which is largely defective correct, the
mechanism must be removed as before directed, and it is perhaps as
well to make new nuts and frets throughout. The old frets had better
' Those for the lower bass strings have genemlly
eiilurged eyeholes ; consequently the eyehole be-
longing to the lowest buss string shoulil be lii>t
removed, tied to a string, the others added iu
succession, and eventually replaced in their
order.
O
106
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
be removed by carefuUy sawing lengthways through the centre of
each fret with a very hne saw and water, afterwards meltmg the
crlue by applying hot water. The glue and pieces of ivory should be
removed and the grooves cleaned. Pieces of ivory filed down to the
proper thickness, each to fit a particular groove, must then be prepared.
These pieces of ivory must be of greater height and length than the
frets they are to replace. Looking at the upper
I 1 side of one of these pieces of ivory when placed in
U'"'" — 1 the groove, it will take this form, the dotted line
indicating the probable depth the ivory will be sunk in the wood, that
is as if a sharp pencil were drawn along it when in position. Now
find where the string when stretched crosses the ivory, and mark with
a sharp pencil on the ivory on either side of the string. Between
these marks make a perpendicular cut downwards with the fine saw,
but not too far. Gradually open this with a file, knife, and sandpaper
so as to exactly fit the string, which must be of the proper thickness,
until, when in position, the string, when tuned to the proper note, will
ring clear, the string being as near the upper portion of the eye as
possible. The lower portion of the notch for the string had better be
cone-shaped. Now find where the string for which
the continuation of the ivory is .to form a fret
crosses it, and with a file remove a portion of the
ivory, which wUl then present this appearance ; trim it roughly with a
file, but not too close.
If all the nuts and fi'ets are to be renewed, it is better to commence
with the lowest bass note, and if necessary make a new nut and glue
it in position ; all the old nuts and frets having been removed as
directed, take a piece of ivory, not too thin, but such as 'will go into all
the grooves, file it to the form of a long fret, higher considerably at
one end than at the other, make a number ot
shallow indents on one side. Now place this piece
of ivory in the groove below the nut of the lowest
bass .string, which must be tuned up to Elr ; press the knob at the back
and fix the stop. When the string is stretched from one ol the
notches, and gives a clear ringing sound without a jar, and at the
same time when the stop is released the open string does not jar.
the DTTAL-HARP
107
you have the proper height of the fret. Take a fine pair of compa.sses
and measure the height of the groove (the string has been stretclied
over) from the surface of the wood. Now glue the nut for the second
•string (prepared as directed) into the groove, taking particular care
tliat the string, which must be stretched from the nut, passes directly
through the eyehole. Press the ivory well into the groove, release
the string, and see that the nut is perpendicular. When dry, press
the lowest bass string down by the stop, and just when it meets the
ivory make a mark on either side of the string. Now cut or file
between the lines a notch just the thickness of the string, which
notch is not to be made lower than the measurement previously taken.
Treat all the other nuts and frets in a similar manner, and you will
have throughout the bass the proper height of each fret. In no case
can the fret be lowered, so if there is a jar when the string is struck
from the nut, if the string is sufficiently strung and is of the proper
thickness, the jar arises from the string being too high, and the
notch in the nut may be gradually lowered, testing the string frequently
untU the jar ceases. A performer is not expected to puD the strings
with the same force on one of these instruments as on the Pedal-Harp,
but considerable force can be used wdien the instrument is properly
constructed. All the nuts and frets having been so
treated, these must be nicely finished off in a uniform
manner, carefully sandpapering both the surface, the groove, and the
notch of each, and afterwards polishing with chamois and whiting.
The jarring, if it only occurs on a few of the strings when the
Dital stops are in use, may be prevented by putting thin strips of
leather through the eyeholes, drawing them tight over the upper
portion of the eyeholes and fastening them.
. The arrangement and construction of the nuts and frets for the
treble strings are more troublesome than for those of the bass ; for
whereas in the bass there is only a difl’erence in the plane when
the key is changed fr'om Eb, in the treble there is that difference,
and also a difference in the spacing of the strings. So taking C.
the first string, with a Dital stop, and B, the first treble string,
when preparing the nuts and frets, they must be arranged so as to
keep the open string D sufficiently apart from C, to allow of the
JIUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
™v.l of D 10 tl« fct ivitbool. when on th. fat teing too olo.o to
C o nd lb. »« '">b "S’"' “ "t " Tl
diagram represents (as seen from above) the nut. 1,
from v-hich the Eb string is stretched, and the fret,
l» I o_ on which the D string may occasionally be placed.
The Eb string is ’shown in two positions: at 3 it is on the _ nut ;
fl fi-om the nut to the fret it is at 4. The D string is
when removed h-om tne nui. bu uuc ^ ^ ^ t- , i •
also shown in two positions : when on the nut it is at 5, the fret being
so arranged as to prevent jarring ; at 2 it is as it would be when
removed from the nut to the fret. The treble strings must not jar when
on the nuts, and they must not jar when on the frets ; and there should
be no liability on the part of any of the strings to jump from either nut
or fret when struck on either one side or the other. All that has been
described has been carried out on No. 160, and with complete success.
STKINGS
As the Dital-Harp strings are as a rule shorter than the corre-
sponding strings upon the Pedal-Harp, and as many of these instruments
are lightly constructed and unable to rvithstand the excessive strain
caused by the tension of ordinary Harp strings, thinner strings must be
selected. No doubt the three lowest strings on the British-Lute-Harp
were silk and wire, but it is unnecessary that the corresponding strings
on the early Dital-Harps should be so.
On a Dital-Harp, the longest or nineteenth string of which is 24:)-
inches, and the shortest string 8f inches, the following strings may be used :
For the Eb string, B -tth octave, or perhaps even A 4th octave, Erard s
gauge. The F string, C 4th octave, Erard’s gauge, and all the others
one-fourth thinner than the corresponding strings on the Pedal-Harp.
For instruments of a late make, where the longest string is
27^,! inches, and the shortest 7 J inches, strings one-third thinner than
the con’esponding strings on the Pedal-Harp will be more suitable.
If there is any difficulty in procuring strings of the proper gauge stained
black and red for the F and C strings, ordinary white or clear strings
of the correct gauge can be stained by passing cotton wool saturated
with black or red ink over them, and when dry, olive oil. It is better
the stringing of the instrument should be attended to by the person
THE DITAL-HARP
109
who intends to perform upon it, otherwise strings totally unfit for
tlie instrument may be placed upon it, and perhaps the sounding-
board seriously damaged. Probably the difBoulty of getting lightly
constructed instruments to withstand the tension of such a number of
strings was the cause of the construction of the hea%’y and rigid
instruments previously noticed.
Proper strings having been provided for the liarp, all the Dital
stops being released, and all the treble strings upon the nuts, the
lowest string is to be tuned to Eb French pitch, or D3 on the Piano,
and the remaining strings
shown on the following diag
^ ^ , a ,
tuned in a series of fifths and octaves as
ram.
N
!'■-)■ ply 1
r
',9 1. S ^
Cadence or Proof. •<
^ frtfrr 1
SCALE or G
AMUT of the DITAL-HARP. ^ ^.h
Hand _ ^ ± £ *
Left Hand ^ ^ .e*- ^
± *
THE Chromatic scale.
To shew the use and order of all the Ditals and Stopped Notes.
110
musical instruments
produce. The semibreve shows the
natural state; the crotchets, the not
The bars include the notes w
the notes which each string can be made to
ireve shows the note the string sounds in its
•otchets, the notes which can be produced from
1 A TA' + .-vl Ko liTT
frets.
■er of holding and playing upon the dital-haep
Place the instrument in the lap nearly perpendicular, but mclinmg
a little to the left, so that the performer may just have a side view
of the strings. The arms should be a little raised, m an easy semi-
circular form; the left wrist alone should be allowed to touch the
instrument, which rests against it, the left hand being free to pull
the bass strings as shown in the illustration. The thumb and fingers
of the right hand are to grasp the treble strings. Place the thumb,
which must alwai/s he held as upright as possible, upon the E string,
and the three first fingers upon the next strings, btrike with the
thumb, then pull with the first finger, which falls, then with the
.second finger, cross the thumb to the B string, and immediately pull
with the third finger, and place the three lingers in position. As a
rule, the fingers are always on the strings ; that is, before a movement
is concluded, the thumb or fingers are preparing for what is to
follow. Chords are generally played as arpeggios, i.e. the thumb
and the three fingers grasp the strings, and by a sudden turn of
the wrist the thumb strikes first, and then three fingers pull in
succession.
Exercise for the Left Land.
Exercise for the Rig'ht hand.
Bass
Treble
THE DITAL-HAKP
111
When playing Ex. 11, slide the thumb from the G to the Ab string
at the moment the Bb string is pulled by the first finger ; then slide
the thumb from the Ab string to the Bb string, when the second finger
pulls the C string, and immediately the first and second fingers cross
the third, and are placed upon the strings above. Then slide the thumb
from the Bb string to the C string, when the third finger pulls the
11 -:
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
D string. The third huger is then to
the second Huger. When descending,
be placed upon the string above
the hngers are not to slide.
When playincr Ex. 1 4, the thumb slides from Bb to C, then strikes
the C string. and°the fingers pull the D, E, and F strings m succession.
When descending, the third finger slides. A line above or below two
notes indicates that the thumb or the third finger is to slide.
When playing six notes in succession, the thumb and the first finger
are on the strings. The thumb strikes, then crosses to the string above
the first finger, the first finger pulls the string, and the thumb and
the three fingers strike and puU in succession.
To produce harmonic tones, press slightly the edge of the right
hand, just below the little finger, as near to the centre of the string as
possible. Then strike the string with the middle finger, and at the
same instant remove the hand from the string.
When four succeeding notes fall upon the same Ime or space, they
should be fingered by the thumb and the three fingers in succession.
THE GRACES IS GESERAL USED OS THE HARP.
The Plain. Turn as mark’d. Explain’d.
Slur after the Note — Explain'd. The double Appo§^iatura Explaind.
THE HITAL-HARP
113
The Shake
Explain’d.
Grace and Shake __ Explain’d.
+
The B^t—this Grace is always made from a semitone below. Eiplain’d.
a nt T t ^ as this, to give many exercises.
Harp Tutor (if possible with exercises in Eh) had better be procured ‘
and the fingering reversed. After a little practice, one or two interviews
with a professional harpist will be of advantage, as, although unable
to play the Dital-Harp. he could detect an incorrect method of playing
in another. r j s
So far all the exercises, etc., have been in the key of Eb. the original
ey. By attending to the directions hereafter given, the Dital-Harp can
be played upon in seven additional major keys.
To change from Eb to Bb major, fix
the Ditals for the A strings, and remove
the A string in the treble from the nut
to the fret. Cadence
To change from Eb to F major, fix
the Ditals for the A and E strings, and
remove the A and E strings in the treble
from the nuts to the frets. Cadence
To change from Eb to C major, fix
the Ditals for the A, E, and B strings,
and remove the A, E, and B strings in
the treble from the nuts to the frets.
Cadence
To change from Eb to G major, fi.v
the Ditals for the A, E, B, and F strings,
and remove the A, E, B, and F strings
in the treble from the nuts to the frets.
Cadence
‘ The First Six \Veek8 for the Harp, by N. C. Bochsa, is excellent, but requires to be transposed.
P
lU
musical instkuments
To change from Eb to D major, fix the
Ditals for the A, E, B, E, and C strings,
and remove the A, E, B, and F strings
in the treble from the nuts to the frets.
Cadence
To change from Eb to A major, fix the
Ditals for the A, E, B, F, and G strings,
and remove the A, E, B, and F strings
in the treble from the nuts to the frets.
Cadence
To change from Eb to EJ major, fix
the Ditals for all the bass strings, and
remove aU the strings in the treble from
the nuts to the frets. Cadence
The key of E 5 is scarcely used, as the music can be played in Eb.
After playing in any key, except Eb, all the Ditals that have been fixed
should be released, and all the strings on the frets removed to the nuts.
The writer has not met with music in a minor key for this instrument,
but presumably the Dital-Harp can be played in the same minor keys as
the Single Action Harp.
Before concluding this chapter, the writer considers it desirable to
notice the manner in which the Dital-Harp has been represented by artists.
THE INSTRUMENT AS REPRESENTED BY ARTISTS
Some years since a drawing entitled “ The Harp-Lute ” appeared
in the Water-Colour Boom of the Royal Academy. In this picture
a lady is represented, presumably in the act of playing upon an instru-
ment which is not a Harp-Lute, as the artist supposed, but is a
Dital-Harp. The instrument is placed with the .shortest strings
nearest to the performer ; in fact, in an Incorrect and absurd position.
Later on, another picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy, in
which a lady is represented as singing and presumably accompanying
herself upon a Dital-Harp. In this picture the longest strings are
nearest to the supposed performer, and so far it is correct. But the
THE DITAL-HAEP
115
instrument, which is unsupported as it should be by the left wrist,
is leaning back, and the fingers of the left hand, instead of grasping
or pulling the bass strings as is usual, or pressing or releasing a Dital
stop in the bass, or pressing a string to a fret in the treble, as they
occasionally may be, are represented as wandering over or pulling
portions of the strings high above the nuts, from which no notes can
be produced. One would suppose that the first thing an artist, who
wishes to introduce an instrument into a picture, should be acquainted
with, is the correct manner in which the instrument to be represented
should be held when played upon ; but the producers of these pictures,
who by their works have handed down to posterity representations of
this once favourite instrument as being played upon, show that they
are or were singularly ignorant of the matter.
MUSIC
In the following list, the music published for the British-Lute-Harp
appears in Italics. These pieces and others were afterwards advertised
as “ Music already published for the Patent Dital-Harp ” : —
A New and Complete Director ij.
Euterpds Melange, containing a variety of favourite National Airs.
Divertimentos or Airs with Variations, with Introductory
Preludes —
No. 1. Air from Achille et Deidamic.
No. 2. A favourite Tema Pleyel.
No. 3. “ 0 Dolce Concento."
No. 4. “Ah! vot/s dirai-je.”
No. 5. “Ar hyd y nos.”
No. 6. “ Ye Banks and Braes."
Duets for the Dital-Harp, and Pianoforte, with Flute Accom-
paniment —
No. 1. “ E Amove iin Ladroncello.”
No. 2. “ Non pin Andrai.”
No. 3. “ La mia Dorabella.”
No. 4. “ Notte e Giorno, and Batti, batti."
116
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Six Canzonets for the Voice, with an Accompaniment for the Dital-
Hai'jp 0)' Picinoforte.
Melodia Sacra, or a choice Collection of the most favourite Hymns.
Favourite Airs and Waltzes, etc. Set 1.
Six Venetian Canzonets, with an Accompaniment for the Dltal-
Harp or Pianoforte.
Favourite Airs and Waltzes, etc. Set 2.
Preludes and Cadences m various keys. By Eichard Light.
Single Songs with an Accompaniment
“Sei hella, sei buona," Canzonetta Napoletana.
I saw thee weep. Canzonet. Poetry by Lord Byron. Music
by B. Light.
Kate Kearney. Canzonet.
Amante Irresolute. Canzonetta Pastorale. Music by R. Light.
0 Nanny, wilt thou gang with me ?
The Fairy Bower. Canzonet. Music by R. Light.
C’est toujours Toi.
Far in the West. By R. Light.
To thy Spirit I Bow. By R. Light.
In both the Ist and 2nd editions of the Directory there are easy
pieces in the eight keys, and in the second edition a few vocal pieces,
with accompaniments, and two Duets for the Dital-Harp and Pianoforte.
Richard Light also arranged a number of Airs, such as — The Blue Bells
of Scotland, The Clifton Waltz, Minuette from Don Giovanni, and a
Welsh Rondo for the Dital-Harp and Pianoforte. No doubt much
additional music was written or arranged for the Dital-Harp, but with
the exception of No. 3 of Divertimentos, etc., and a fragment of Favourite
Airs and Waltzes, etc., No. 1, both reproduced, the writer has not met
with any advanced music for the instrument.
THE DITAL-HARP
117
BY EDWARD LIGHT.
ns
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Hr EDWARD UOUT.
the dital-hakp
119
('A I'KlflLl
Divertimentos >i?3.
120
musical INSTEUMENTS
D^ertimentos N?3.
AkHANdED BY EDWARD I.IGHT,
THE DITAL-HARP
121
Divo.rtimcn'u^ \? 3.
Q
ARRANGED BY EDWAED LIGHT.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
12-J
K4R
4 .
Oivf NV 3.
ARRASCED BY EDWARD UGHT
THE DITAL-HARE
123
DiverUm#*nfos N93.
AkRA.VGED BY EDWARD LIGHT.
124
MtJSICAl. INSTRUMENTS
THE CUCKOO.
WOaDS AS’D MUSIC BY MISS MAROARKT CASSON.
THE J)ITAL-HAKP
125
TIIE CUCKOO,
12C
M U S 1 C A
I instkuments
MISS WADE'S M1>TET.>
/ 1 1, ,
^ ^ 1
1 ^ 1
< p
1
J ^ ^ •p'_ J ^
- #
B.P.
M
M.
m n
V—ki.-,
■ ‘ TliU minnet »u eompoied by Si^or Edelnuni, and ii the concloding movement ol his SonstA 1 Op. 7. The minoet slone will
fean-l m Bodd’i Divertimentos (or the Hsrp, Op. 2. p. 16, hut without the composer's name Lstec on it wss pohlisbed es » Trio ior
stringed inatniments, u Miu Wsde’i Minuet, hot wtthont the composer's name.
tiik 1)Ita].-hai:p
127
MISS WADE’S MINUET,
8rR HENRY BISHOP.
DITAL-riAUP. < CON
musical
[NSTKITJIENTS
12S
Airs and Waltzes \'?1.
AT'.RAKOED BV EDWARD UOflT.
action by pressure
«
the HARP-VENTUEA
The reader may recoUect how Light, when endeavouring to produce a
Lwrf r , ^ different instrument Where
“ f a more ingenious mechanist almost succeeded
^igelo Benedetto Ventura,' Professor of the Hai-p-Lute Spanish
Guitar, Lyre Apollo Lyre, and of the Harp-Ventura (Jho had formerly
been instructor to the Princess Charlotte of Wales), now came to tlm
front, and on the 2tst Feliruary 1828 obtained a patent for certain
mprovements on the Harp-Lute. As the statemL in the speci-
fication IS brief, the winter thinks it advisable to reprint it in extenso,
so that^the reader may see how difiieult it is to understand from
Venturas diagrams and descriptions the manner in which the keys or
stops become fixed when the mechanism is worked by what he calls
the lever action : —
‘‘The first is my improvement on the Hai-p-Lute, now called by
me the Harp-Ventura, and is represented by a complete drawing of
the instrument marked with the letters A, standing upright on a flat
bottom by itself the front outwards, without any pedestal, and has a
small box underneath which opens by a spring for the convenience of
carrying a small quantity of strings and the like at the top, for the
purpose of holding the tuning key. Tiie body of this instrument is
a different shape to any yet ever invented, and wffl be further described
heieafter. This instrument consists of seventeen strings marked C
‘ He resided at 2 Little Titcbfield Street, Port-
land Street, in 1S15. V'e hoar of him at 48
Cirencester Place, Portland Place, in 1828, and
later on at 43 Great Maiy-le-bone Street, Portland
Place. It may not be out of place here to state
that Ventura invented an instrument called by
him the fmperyal Lyre. A specimen appears to
hare been recently sold by Messrs. Puttick and
Simpson, and is described by a correajiondcnt as
“smaller than tho Lyre-Guitar” (an error for
“Apollo- Lyre”), and as haring twelve strings.
Besides an Imperial Harp-Lute, Ventura also
invented and patented an improved Guitar which
he called the Ventura Guitar. This instrument
has seven strings, a hollow finger-board with
mechanism, and some special mechanism attached
to the seventh string. The instrument is illns-
trated and described in the specification which
forms part of that of 21st February 1828 for
the Harp-Ventura. He wrote principally for the
Guitar, but he also wrote for the Harp-Lute,
Imperial Lyre, etc.
130
musical instruments
ftwo more may be added to the ba.s) ; some of these strings are made
f catgut, some of catgut and silk covered ivith we. my invention
and some of silk covered with wire, seven of wkch strings are played
upon three different finger-boards (marked with the letters D), with
frets or bars on them; the rest of the strings are fixed to the top of
the neck of the instrument to part of a machine, after the manner
of the <rrand Pedal-Harp, each string passing between a fork for the
purpose'^of altering the notes from their original tone to the flat, shai-p,
or natural, performed by the other part of the machine fixed near the
fin<rer-board in the neck of the instrument called a pollice, and which
wiU be more particularly described hereafter. The great improvement
of this instrument is, that it has all the properties of the grand Pedal-
Harp, as well as that of the instrument the Harp-Lute, and which is
produced by the construction of the body, and the machineiy fixed to
the top and neck of the instrument now about to be described. The
machine affixed to the neck and top of the instrument (see Drawfing
marked X, X) is made part of brass or other metal, part steel, and
part watch-spring, and is as follows : —
“The Figure 1 in the Drawing is a representation of the stud to
support the strings intended for the bass ; 2, the fork between which
the strings pass to alter the note from its original tone to flat, sharp,
or natural ; 3, the arber to screw into the fork ; 4, the spring to attach
to the arber, and fixed to a small pillar to make the fork act ; 5 is
the small pillar, with a cavity to admit the spring, which is fastened
with a small pin ; 6 is a representation of two of the pollice levers, one
with a straight end, and one bent ; 7, the lever spring to catch the
lever to make the fork act, which is performed by a pull with the thiunb;
8, the trigger to attach to the lever spring, which makes the fork act
instantaneous, it being connected with the conductors hereafter de-
scribed ; 9 is a representation of a pollice performed by pressure ; 1 1 is
a representation of the before-mentioned sections 2, 3, 4, 5, G. 7, and 8,
complete with the conductors and cranks, as in the machine, it being a
single action acting only on one of the forks ; 12, the like representation,
with the conductors and cranks acting on two of the forks, which
may he increased to three or more ; 1 3 is the like by pressure and
crank; 14, a representation of the seven pollices complete by lever;
VI' N'lM'K.VS Sl'IiCUH ATJUN
• ««>s ¥ in
131
THE A R P- V E N T tJ R A
15 the like by pressure. B represents a ponte volante, or shifting
budge, fixed at the bottom of the bodv of tlio Ir, f x > ^
- 1 • ] • 1 ] , . y the instrument, aud under
winch IS a small machiTip frt xi •
l.ridg.. Wkiol. n„ke tk. i„iM.n „f u,. Lt” - fc
.f .k. ponte ™,n.t. tko in.ttnJ.^Tlk.
tko banoon. E t,p„,e„t, Hm .ij. „f u.e i,„tmnont, ..kick i. f„„
tko front to he book „f ,
ne., ..e-tknol le» „ ,h„. ih. f„„, p ^
r::i. * "• “• -»<> -
The writer has carefuUy examined an early Harp-Ventura, the
mechanism of winch is worked by pressure, and it will perhaps simplify
matters to ignore the specification and describe the instrument and
mechanism, ^ both of which are shown by the plate. The Harp-Ventura
resembles in appearance the Harp-Lute, but is largei- and has little
of the graceful form of that instrument. It is, however, a most
ingenious and almost perfect instrument ; tLat is, almost as perfect as
a bmgle Action Harp. It has three finger-boards, and originally had
ten bass strings, afterwards increased to twelve, and with the latter
number has the unusual compass of four octaves. The instrument has
a piece of silk and wire protruding from a hole at the left side of the
lower end to which the ribbon is to be attached, the other end of
which is fastened to the lower portion of the capital which surmounts
the pillar, the instrument being held slantingly across the chest.^
Along the inner side of the neck are seven stops or keys, each one
of which when pressed home shortens one or two of the strings ; that
Is, when there are two of the same in the bass both strings are
shortened at the same time by the action of one stop or key. Thus,
what the feet accomplish on the Pedal-Harp is here effected in the
bass by the thumb of the left hand. A movable rest covers the lower
' On none of the iustriimenta examined was
there a mnohine to “make the imitation of the
bassoou. ”
Thu following are the dimcDsions of the
specimen illustrated, M’hicb has ten bass strings :
Extreme length, 33 inches; width of sounding
board, 14^ inches ; depth of body at lower end,
4^ inches; depth of body at the centre, 5 inches.
The length of the strings will be hereafter given.
The dimensioDS of the specimen in the South
Kensington Museum, with lever action and twelve
open strings are : — Extreme length, 2 feel 9 inches ;
width, 13;J inches.
3 At the lower end of the instrument there is a
box for strings, and at the upper end of the body
a small box in which the tuning key is kept.
132
musical instruments
portion of the strings ; on this the hand is placed when the instrument
is being played upon.
The mechanism which moves the fork action, and so shortens each
of the bass strings, as may be seen by the plate, is somewhat similar
to that m use on the Single Action Harp, but reversed, small watch-
sprmgs being attached to the arbers which move each of the seven
lowest forks in the bass ; each spring, as soon as the stop or key is
released, draws one or two forks back, and so releases the strings.
This mechanism in a measure resembles that of the Single Action
Hai-p, but the tringles of that harp are placed side by side, whereas
in the small head of the Harp-Yentura, there not being sufficient
depth to allow of such an arrangement, Ventm-a scattered and crossed
the tringles, and by the use of double and single cranks when
necessary produced a mechanism with comparatively little depth,
which, although roughly made, answ'ered the purpose he had in
view.
If the reader turns to the illustration and follows the A| stop
from the crank by which it has drawn the conductor down, he will
see near the cui-ve the connection with the upper A fork ; and,
following the tringle to the end, the watch-spring will be seen
lightened round the ‘‘arber to w'hich the lower A fork is attached.
The G conductor and tringle can also be clearly followed to a double
crank, which, on account of the direction the tringle has had to take,
is necessary to turn the fork. The G, B, D conductors are attached
to cranks wffich support the tringles as in the large harp ; the four
others appear to be more or less independent.
To the reverse of the plate shown in the illustration seven steel
springs are attached ; each has at the end a long, sharp tooth. These
teeth pass through the plate, and hold the stops when they are
pr^ed home. Each stop is perforated in two places ; by the outer
pe oration it is held by the tooth, but through the inner perforation
rass rod passes, then through a hole in the plate, and is screwed
mto the steel sprbg. Each rod has a knob at the outer end; so
When a knob is pressed, the spring is raised, the tooth withdrawn, the
tb + stop is released, and the fork ceases to grasp
g- n the plate both the instrument and the mechanism
o
o
No. I. -ACTION BY PRESSURE. THE B. G. AND A STOPS. EACH OF
WHICH SHORTEN TWO STRINGS. ARE FIXED.
No. II -LEVER ACTION, THE LETTERS INDICATE THE "ARBERS. ' TO
THE OTHER ENDS OF WHICH THE "FORKS ARE SCREWED
f V
133
the HARP-VENTUEA
are shown wlien the G B -mrl 4
strings— are fixed. Tlie defect of tlfis """"t two
accidental in the bass cannot i is that a passing
key. or releasing a stop or ^e ^ o"
case may be, ani afte, he a5 ^^t “IT"? " ^
a knob It tL baclf^r ";:.r either pressing
causes such delay, that if a patsina- aT’T “o'^ement which
exceptionally slow it cannot be expressed
the?eIt!.rTf Stver "Itr- ' ‘I
the end of the shorter arm A, a steel wedge or
tooth IS attached, which tooth passes through the
plate At_ B, at the junction of the two arms, the
rod for raising the spring is attached. The lever
when pulled down, forces the wedge or tooth up, and when it has
trte?^:t^ 7 h<J:
which raises the splil J
be s^et The stops before noticed, which may
be seen on both dlustrations, are marked from the uppermost doum
as Mows:_First, Eb ; second, Bh ; third, F| ; fourth, ; fifth. Gif;
s^th D^; and seventh. Ai|. This indication, which is wanting on
the later specimens with the lever action,^ is valuable as a key for
CTen if we had not the intimation that the instrument is an improved
tlarp-Lute. there could have been no doubt that the Harp- Ventura
was intended to be tuned like the Harp-Lute in the key of C.
3 *
I®
Scale of the Harp-Yentuea
‘ The length of the downward pull iu this lever 2 There are two in the South KeusingtoE
action 13 of an inch at the end of the lover iluseum.
outside the instrument.
134
musical instkltments
Chromatic Scale of the Open or Bass Strings.
' The bars include the notes that can be produced from each string.
The instrument being tuned in the key of C major, the semibreves show
the notes to be produced from the strings in their natural state, the
crotchets the notes that can be produced from the strings by the use
of the keys or stops.
As Ventura, as already mentioned, claimed to have invented an
Imperial Harp-Lute, and was a professor of the instrument, and as
an examination of the music published by him shows that his Harp-
Lute, unlike that of Light, was tuned as the Spanish Guitar, an
octave lower than the written notes, or to the pitch of the piano,
there is every reason for supposing that the Harp-Ventura, which is
an improved Harp-Lute, was tuned in a similar manner. So the
instrument ' being furnished "with suitaVjle strings," the Harp- Ventura
is to be tuned in the following manner : —
Fix the first and second stops, which are marked respectively Eb
and Bb ; then tune the strings on the large finger-board to C, E, G ;
on the second finger-board to C, E, G, an octave higher ; and the string
on the third finger-board, C, an octave higher. Tune the bass from
the open strings on the finger-board and from the frets in octaves
downwards.
The instrument being now in the origmal key of C, change to the
other major keys in the following manner : —
To play in F, release the E stop, and the string will be Eb.
To play in Bb, release the E and B stops, and the strings will be
Eb and Bb.
To play in 0, the original key, press the Eb and Bb stops.
* The writer believes that \ entura, as well as caaiiot be given. A competent string-maker with
Wheatitonc, timed hU Imperial Harp-Lute an the scale before him should bo able to spin suitable
octeve lower than the written notes, strings if an instmoicnt were sent to him for
One of these instruments, when it was in that purpose. The writer learns from a noted
t e writer's posssssioD, had the original strings, manufacturer of Guitars, that Mr. J. G. Winder,
most of them apparently silk and wire. These of Keiitisli Town Road, is an excellent maker of
have unfortunately been removed, so the gauge strings.
135
the HAEP-VENTUEA
To play in G, press the E>, Bb, and Fti stops
To play m D, press the Es,, Bb. Pj, and C| stops.
To p ay m A, press the Eb, Bb, F^, C5:, and stops
To p ay m E. press the Eb. Bb, FJ, Cji, G|, and D-1 stops.
To play m B. press the E., Bb, F|, C|, G|, D#. and Aj: stops.
The length of the strings upon a specimen in the South Kensington
Museum and upon the specimen illustrated ■'Kensington
3rd Finger-board,
2nd
nineteen strings.
8^- inches.
Hi „
20 „
SETKNTEEy STRINGS.
J'f Inches.
1 1 A 11
20i ..
OPEN STEING.S
B
A
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
G
F
E
NINETEEN STRINGS.
22-^ inches.
22t „
23
23f
24i „
24|
25i
25f .,
25i „
4 :
26i
204 „
SETESTZES STKI.VIIS.
22j inches.
23i „
23i
24i „
25-i „
254 M
264 „
27i ..
274
^ ' -1 >i
27
' >J
No string.
No string.
On the Harp- Ventura the open strings are closely spaced, and it is
evident that it was the intention of the inventor that the open strings
should be almost always struck by the thumb. The position of the
strings as they pass the forks, in place of being, as is usual, in the
centre of the fork, being more to the right, is also an indication, sa
they can be struck with force by the thumb without jarring. It is
scarcely likely that the open strmgs were fingered as the Pedal-
Harp or Harp-Lute.
Carl Engel states that Ventura exhibited his invention at the
13G
musical instruments
National Repository, Royal Mews, Charing Cross, when he played upon
it in public so it may be concluded that in the hands of an aocomphshed
■mitarist it may be used with much effect; but it is heavy and rigid,
mid, although strong in tone, is wanting in the harp-like quality for
which the best Harp-Lutes and Dital-Harps are noted.
The writer believes that an ingenious mechanist could perfect
Ventura’s lever action so as to make it possible to produce a passing
accidental by one motion of the thumb. Were that accomplished (and
this is worth the consideration of instrument - makers), and such
mechanism fitted to an Instrument constructed as nearly as possible
on the lines of the beautiful Harp-Lute with sixteen strings by
Packer of Bath, at present in the Donaldson Museum, with widely
spaced strings and only two finger-boards, and the tone of such an
instrument equalled that of the best Harp-Lutes, an instrument vastly
superior in form and tone to the Spanish Gruitar, or to any of the
small instruments at present in use, would be the result ; for, unques-
tionably, an instrument with thirteen consecutive open strings, which
could be fingered in the same manner as the Pedal- Harp, would have
great advantages over a six-stringed instrument on which an open
string is only occasionally used.
MUSIC
The writer regrets that after diligent search and frequent advertise-
ments no solo for the Harp-Ventura has been obtained. Ventura
certainly intended his instrument with a compass of four octaves for
elaborate pieces. Three songs with accompaniments are the only pieces
of music available, and these accompaniments, although simple, tend
to prove the writer’s assertion that the bass is to be played by
the thumb. Most of the music already given for the Harp-Lute can be
played upon this instrument.
THE HARP-VENTUEA
13
fVith accompaniments for the Harp-Fentura.
BY ANGELO BENEDETTO VENTURA.
S
138
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
2
^ rSjV'ET.'^V^’ C^J.'ZOJVKTT^
D. Cerutti
the HAKP-VENTUKA
139
3
uo
MUSICAL I N S T K U M E N T S
C,
MROR^-l CHE CORS-ER^'l
Tlie Celebrated Sonn; in ihe 0|nM'a t>a Donna Del l.aeo.
Kossini
T HE H A R P - V E N T U A
141
7
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
Ci. Mili.-U
the HAEP-VENTUEa
143
144
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
EGAN'S PORTABLE HARP
of ^vhich “esembled°ttiro7re PedaTi? '”1
Street, Dublin, a celebrated Harn .tl T*?’
size, but one which, althou'^rWe R ^ of moderate
same sense as the instruments tLt hav’ 1 f^o
instrument, the Royal Portable Irish Ha'' described. Egan's
old Irish Harp. itL the ourrertrSL^lra 7
could not be supplied so Eo-nn’» ' ^ . ut as it is small, pedals
or k.y. .. 11^ .fr i r " r “•
d„„
number of strings and so +l,o l , " ^ ’ ®*’°‘'tens a
o- . p»i,.g «5d«a” iS'
following order — A, E, B, F, C G D anangecl in the
and'^dterSl9 7" has seen is No. 4.
hass -ri, ' 7 thirty-four strings, but three strings in the
tunkett has thnty strings, one strmg in the treble and one in the bass
lowest bass strings are without the fork action. One in the Donaldson
luseum No._ 1904, reign of George iv., has thirty-three strings, all
with fork action. One with stand, No. 1920 of the same period, has
le same number of strings, all with fork action. A few others the
writer has seen or heard of, but considering the number manufactured,
-'g'cin s Harp is not often to be met with.
Dr. Cuhvioh, in his valuable lecture upon Irish Melody, writes as
follows ; “ Perhaps the best evidence of the final and complete surrender
of Irish music to the encroachments of modern methods is the Harp
made by John Egan of Dawson Street, early in this century. This
had a full set of modulating keys worked by a set of cranks to all
Egan 13 stated to have invented a double-movement Harj), and also a triple-action Harj'.
U6
MUSICAL INSTKUMENTS
intents and purposes exactly like the early Pedal-Harps.”' Egan’s
instrument, which is only Irish in form, supplied to some extent a want.
The Harp, be it remembered, was perhaps the most favourite instrument
of the period, so an instrument which could with ease be conveyed
where no Pedal-Harp was likely to be found, was an advantage. Egan’s
Harp, imlike the true Irish Harp, is strung with gut, and although it
has the mechanism referred to, any person attempting to play upon it
%vill find that a large portion of the music published by Bunting is as
unsuitable for it as for the wire-strung Irish Harp.
On Egan’s Harp, to produce a passing accidental, the left hand
must drop the strings, and only a practised performer, who can con-
centrate his or her attention upon the bass strings, for the time being,
can replace the left hand in the proper position without slowing
the time. Music in w’hich the melod}' occurs in the bass, while
the accompaniment (in which accidentals occur) is in the treble, is
inadmissible, and music in which an accidental occurs in the treble,
when the bass is of importance, is equally so. StUl, much beautiful
music can be altered and arranged to suit this instrument, which,
although it has not the power of the Pedal- Harp, has almost the same
sweetness of tone." Egan had imitators, and the waiter has seen an
early imitation by Serguet, a London maker. Now that there is a
seeming revival of the Harp, this little instrument is in some demand,
and is again being made by Messrs. Holderness of Oxford Street,
London, by whom a number have been despatched to America.
Egans Harp has usually a button or stud screwed to the right
side of the comb and another to the front of the lower portion" of
the fore-pUlar, to which a band is attached, by which band, when
passed over the right shoulder, the Harp is suspended. It also
usuaUy has a wooden rod which, when drawn out to the necessary
' In a complimentsry notice of this instrnment
whicb .ppenred in the London .Monthly Literary
Register end Review of the Fine Arts. November
1822, the writer refere to it as an “improvement
on the simple, old Irish Harp, in rendering it
esiial to the I'edal-Hsrp, without sacrificing its
glorious nationality ; it was incapable of making
accidental fiat, „r sharps tiU Mr. Egan's invention
of the Koval Portable Irish Harp,” ete._Keprinted
m Koyal Harp Director, by Charles Egan.
On theSth.Sc]iteinherlS2I,Mr. C. N. Bochsn,
a very eminent Jiarjiist nnil composer, wrote to
Mr. Egan as follows : “ I have great pleasure in
informing you, the Koyal Portable Irish H.urp
invented by you lias my decided approb.-ltion.
Its peculiar sweetness of tone, so admirably
adapted for accompanying tbe voice, the great
facility of elianging tbe keys, and its portability
make it a desiralile instrument to proficients on
the Pedal-Harp."_/4,VI.
EGAN’S PORTA)', LE HARP
147
lengtii and fastened by
One instrument in tlm writer’s ""Lcf the Harp,
feet attached to the end of an iron I'T
the instrument Jess portable is eerf ° l’ Anders
such a stand the instrument has n ^ “^vantage, for without
were generally supplied in leather cases ^'7'"
from their cases except for use 7 ’ 7 ■7®''®
instruments are. gold shamrocks beina ^ some of these
or pea-green ground. ° ^ an-anged on a black, blue,
made; these h7 loop^Itopr to^e s7 also
changed. Some are very a rtisti I ^ “^^d be
of Egan’s the writer h7e: “^ - than any
As the strings of Eo-an’s
length, and also differed^iu length ^f
Harp, and as it is not de!' n7u 7 Action
be subjected to the same tensfo'n as the77 i‘h' ^"^truments should
specially selected for earh A edal-Harp, strings should be
the 7 “®“ores 32 inches
corresponding string on a Single Action Harp measures 49 inch ’
The highest strmg in the treble, Bb, measures 2X inches, the Irre-
spondmg string on a Single Action Harp measures 3f inches. The
foUowing strings have been found to answer :-
For E b, B, silver and sdk. For B h, C, 5th octave,
tor F, C, copper and silk. For C, D, 5th octave.
For G, D. sili-er and silk. For D, E, 5th octave.
For Ah, B, gut 5th octave. For Eb, G, 4th octave.
After which, strings gauged one-thhd higher than the same note upon
rare s gauge are suitable. For an instrument the lowest string in
the bass, Eb, which measures 38 inches, and the highest string in°the
treble, Ab, which measures 3j inches; the corresponding string on the
Single Action Harp measures 4^ inches. Different strings sLuld be
selected, and the writer suggests, as the principal difficulty is likely to
musical insteuments
occur with the lowest bass strings, that A, B. and C silk and wire without
steel centre should be tried; the C first for the Eb string, and if not
suitable moved to F or G. The B and A strings, respectively, tested
as Eb and moved up if necessary. The same with the gut strings
up to the second Eb, after which strings gauged a note higher than
the same note upon Erard’s gauge will be found suitable. 1 he chief
difficulty will be found to occur in the bass. The upper portions of
several of the bass strings, as may be seen by the illustration, cross a
portion of the fore-pillar, and even when the correct strings are selected,
a performer cannot pull these bass strings with the same force that
may be applied to the others without making the strings jar against
the fore-pillar; so strings that will give as much tone as can be
expected, when so near the end of the sounding-board, and will not
jar when pulled with moderate force, are those that are required.
MUSIC
Charles Egan was the “ Author of Instructions for the Koyal Portable
Irish Harp,” during or before 1822. A number of national lyrics were
arranged for the instrument by the same person, who appears to have
tieen Professor of the Harji to H.R.H. the Princess Augusta, and also
Harpist to the Queen. This selection was published by J. Egan,
30 Dawson Street, Dublin, in 1826. In the part the writer has
e.vamined there are eight pieces, of which Nos. 1 and 7 are Irish airs.
No. 7 has been reproduced ; but as Moore’s words, “ The Harp that once
through Tara s Hall ’ are now so associated with the melody, they have
been substituted for those entitled ‘'The Death of Carolan,” supplied by
Edward Dowling.
The MTiter has also selected a Venetian air, “ Stanco di pascolar,”
with some of the effective variations by V. Fiorini occasionally slightly
altered. This piece has been selected for the ptu-pose of shoudng the
class of music that can be executed by a fairly proficient performer.
Irish melodies, however, without accidentals, such as those arranged
by Dr. Culwich and Mr. Owen Lloyd, also Songs of Ireland without
words arranged by J. T. Surenne, eighty of which are without acci-
dentals, if transposed when necessary, will be found .still more suitable.
EGAN'S PORTABLE HARP
149
the harp that once THKODOH TAKA’S HALL.
WORDS BY THOMAS MOORS
THl! ACCOUTANniEST, ETC., BT CHARIAA EGAS.
150
musical instkuments
THE HASP THAT ONCE THROUGH TARA’S HALL.
E HAKP
EGAN'S POETABL
lAl
the harp that once THEOCOH TARA’S
Hall.
152
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
THE LEGACY.
EGAN’S PORTABLE HARP
163
STANCO DI PASCOLAR.
/
.r 1^1
» /T\
^rn
/*
Stanco d i pascular •
U
154
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
EGAN'S PORTABLE HARP
155
STANCO Dt PA3COLAK.
156
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
EGAN’S POKTAKLE HARP
157
STANCO DI PASCOLAE.
Stance di pnucolar
IK THIS VARIAHOK PLA-Y CS FOR D?.
158
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
EGAN'S POETAELE HAEP
STANCO DI PASCOLAE.
160
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Mv Lodring.
addenda
THE APOLLO LYRE
In the Royal Scottish Museum. Edinburgh, there is one of these instru-
ments. The finger-board is without the u.sual supports, and there are
no “ horn ’ terminations. Upon it is the following label, “ R. Wornum,
Inv'. & Maker, Wigmore St., London.” In the Victoria and Albert.
Museum there is a specimen with a stand, “ horn ” terminations, and
supports. It has seven strings, and is by the same maker. Hanover St.,
Cavendish Square, The Lyre, amongst the same collection, which is
stated to have belonged to Marie Antoinette, has eight strings.
HARP-LUTE-GUITAR
A specimen in the Victoria and Albert Museum has upon it
“ Hariby, Maker."
LUTE
Under the heading “Light, Edward," in British Musical Biogi-aphy,
by James D. Brown and Stephen b. Chatton, the following occurs :
“ Concise instructions for playing on the English Lute,” London.
HARP-VENTURA
By the kind permission of the authorities of the Victoria and
Albert Museum, the writer has been able to add a representation of
the instrument with the Lever Action, and also a representation of
the Lever Mechanism.
X
INDEX
INDEX
AcoDCRvpTopnosn, or End, anted Lyre, U!) fool-
no/c.
Air, will, v.arious accompaniments, for tlieGuitaro-
Harjie, 45.
Alan-, Bardd, antlror of tlic Welsh Harper, 09
footnote.
Apollo Lyre, the, 33,
Specimen in the Itoyal Scottish Museum,
Edinburgh, of Ibe, 161,
Augusta, Frincesa, pupil of Charles Egan, 148.
Bajirv, maker of Harp-Guitars, 25.
Bayard, music for the Guitarc-llaime by, 46
Bland, J., 17.
Bochsa, C. N., harpi.st anti comjtoser, 146.
Bolton, Thomas, composer for the Guitar, 17 .‘U
33, 80. ’ ’
Bremner, .John, Instruction-book for English
Guitar, by, 8.
Bremner’a Tutor, picture of lady playing English
Guitar in, 7.
British Lute-Harp, 97 (plate).
Music published for the, 115, 116 ,
Busby, Dr. Thomas, 25.
Concert- Hoorn Auecdutes by, 5 footnott, ^
73 foolmity 101. [
Cadences for the Harpe-Lute, 74.
Dital Harp, 113, 114.
Caledonian Mercurj' of 1815, Musical Advertise- [
raent in the, 77, 78. !
‘ Capo-tasto,’ 6, 31, 44.
Carulli, Instructions for tSpanish Guitar by, 33.
Chabran, F., 33. j
Instructions for Harp-Guitar by, 27.
Cbeltcnham and Bath, R. L. Downes, Frofessor |
of Music at, 79. i
Clements, Bangor, and Co,, Publishers, 30.
Concert- Room Anecdotes. 5 foolnolt:.
Cousincau, stops on Pedal Harp used by, 67-
Cnhvick, Dr,, 145, I4S. *
Diudin, Songs of, with Guitar-settings, 6.
Dital Harp, 97 (plate).
Cadences on the, 11 3, 11 4.
Diagram of Strings on the, 103.
Dital Jlaqi, Exercises and Airs for the, 110-113
117-128.
Finger-board of the, 103.
playing upon the Patent, 100.
Mechanism of the, 1U2.
.Scales on the, i09,
— 97, 103, 104 (plaU-B).
Ditals, or Tlinmh-keys, 98.
Donaldson .Museum, 136.
Egan’s Portable Harp in, 145.
Har])-Lutc in the, 70 (jilate).
Dowling, Edward, 14$.
Downes, R. L., Professor of Music at Chelten-
li.am and Bath, 79.
writer of music for the Harp- Lute,
69, 70.
Dublin, National Portrait Gallery at, 5.
EniNBuniiu, Keyed Guit.ars in, 14.
University, Instrument in, 30, 31.
Egan, Charles, Instructions for the Royal Port-
able Irish Harp liy, 148.
.Tubii, Portable Harp by, 144 (plate).
Portable Harp. Melodies for, 149-ICO.
Engel, Carl, 32, 135.
English Guitar, Claus and Co. patent keyed, 15.
Instruction Book, by Bremner, for
the, 8.
Keyed, in Edinburgh, 14 (plate).
Melodies for the. 18-24.
Music published for the. 16, IT.
Picture of lady playing the, 7.
Pitch of the, 13.
Scales for the, 5.
.Smith’s patent box for, 15.
Specimens of the, by Preston, Perry,
and Gibson, 4, 6.
Finokr-boarI) and Scales of the Harp-Lute, 73.
of the fIar[)-Guitar, 28.
of the Harp-Lute-Guitar, 57.
Fitzgerald, S. J. A., 80 footnott.
Galpin, Rev. F. W,, Harp-Lute-Guitar in collec-
tion of, 53 footnott.
Gibson, W., Guitar by, 6.
Gibsou and Woffington, makers of Guitars, 6.
165
166
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
\
Glea. Harp-Lute-Guitar iu collection of Mewr!*.
J. and R., o3/oo(nofe.
Grisi and Mario, with the Harp-Lute, 70 (plate).
Guildhall Exhibition, 1S95, 5.
Guitare- Har|>c, 41.
Air with various accompauiments for
the, 45.
Melotlies for the. 47-52.
Music published for the, 40.
Guitar. Carulli'g lostnictioas for the Spanish, 33.
Complete Tutor, bj Osw-dd, for the English.
S.
Diagram of Finger-board of the English, 9.
Guitar, the Spanish, 2.
Harp, Egan's Portable, ilescribed, 145, 146.
Specimens noticed, 145.
Strings for, 147.
Harp-Guitar. 24 (plate).
— Finger-board for the. 28.
Improved by Levien, 29.
Instructions by F. Chabran for the, 27.
matle by A. Parry, 25.
Melodies for the, 34-411,
Picture of lady playing the, 27.
Harp-Lute, as represented by artists. 114.
Cadences for the, 74.
Described, G9,
Directions for stringing the, 71, 72.
Finger-board and scales of the, 73.
Grisi and Mario with the, 76 (plate).
— Instructions for the improved, 31.
— - Light’s Instructions for the, 80a, 80f«.
Melodies for, 81-96.
Music published for the. 80A.
with sixteen strings, 70 (plate).
.Stops used on the. 67.
Thumb-key for G-string on the, 80«.
Tuning of the, 70.
Twelve-stringed, 66 (plate).
with fourteen strings. 68 (plate).
Harjt-Lute-Guitar. art of playing on the, 53.
the, 52 (plate), 53.
— — Fingerdward of the, 57.
i” collection of Messrs. J. and R. Glen
^2/ootnofe.
Galpin’s Collection, 53 Joo>-
HKiU.
.Music published for the, 56.
— Preludes, eU-., for the, 58-66.
~ - .Scale of the, 54.
Specimens by Hariby, of the, 161.
Harp-Lyre, invented by Edward Light, the. 77.
the, 73 (plate).
Harp, Portable, 144 (plate).
Harpsichords, Kirkiuan, maker of, 5.
Harp-Ventiira, 128 (plate).
described, 131.
Canzonets for the, 138-143.
Mechanism, 132 (plate).
Scales of the. 133, 134.
Speciheation for the, 1211.
Hatton, J. L., 77.
Haxby, R., 17.
Holderucss (Messrs.), Loudon, Harp-makers, 146.
Honstou, R., engi'aver, 5.
Jokes, G., article Music, by, T"* footnoit.
Diagrams of a Harp-Guitar by, 29.
Joumet, H., London, 30, 41 footnoU.
Kirkmas, Harpsichord-m.aker, 5.
Leviek, .Mokdadkt, of London, 26, 41.
Light, E. G., Instruction Book to the Harp-Lute-
Giiitar, 5.
Edward, Inventor of musical iustruments,
25 /ootnote,
His place of resideuce ; his first instru-
ment the Harp-Guitar, 25 ; his second instru-
ment the Hari.-Liite-Guitar, 53 ; his third
inslrument the Harp-Lute, 67; his fourth in-
strument the Harp-Lyre, 77 ; his fifth instru-
inent the British Lute-Harp, afterwards called
the Dital Harp, 97.
Longman, Lukey aud Co., Music Publishers, 17.
Lute, scale of the, from Chabran, 30.
Lute-Harp, Britisli, or Dital-Harp, 97 (plate).
Music published for the British 115
116.
Lyre, in Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, an
Apollo, 161.
Music published for the, 33.
said to have belonged to Marie Antoinette
161.
the Apollo, 32, 33.
the French, 33.
Lyres, 32.
Marella, Guitar-jilayer and composer, IG.
Marie Antoinette, Lyre «.u.l to luve belonged to,
161.
.Melodies for the Dital Harp, 119.128.
for Egan’s Portable Harp, 149-160.
- — for the Harp-Lute, 81-96.
Guitare-Harp, 47-52.
English GuiUr, 18-24
■ * Harji-Guitar, 34-40.
Moore, 79.
INUEX
167
Morley, J. G.,
Music pubHabedfo. the British Lutc-Har,„ „ 5,
English Guitar, IG, 17.
Harp-Lute, 80//.
~ ' ^^it'iro-Harpe, 46.
Harp-luite, 79.
^^n^-t/Ute-Giiitar, SG.
■ 138-148
Lyre, .33.
Niecks, Professor. 26./bo(iiotr.
ScA,.K.s^s.s„ Cuitar-Har,,,,
on the Dital.ilarp, lO'J.
^crguel, maker of the Portable Harp, UC
SmitK patent l,ot attachment for English Guitar
St, Martin’s Lane, London 2
Steuart, Neil, 10. ’
Stewart, .Sir IJoberl P„ 1.
^a used on French Pedal Harp, 67.
Harp-Lute, 67.
Oswald, J., Guitar Tutor by, 15, ig.
^’‘bros.'^^rno’.' M Harp-Lute
Parry, John, 69.
Perry, Janies, Guitar-maker, 6/or,/)io/c.
■ English Guitar by, 6,
Puoio T maker of a ilarp-Lute, 71./bol„ofr.
1 owell, Mias Harriet, portrait, by Ueid 5
Preludes, ete.. for the Harp-Lute-GuitaJ. 58.60.
for the English Guitar, 18-22.
for the Guitare-Harpo, 43.
for the Harp-Lute, 76.
for the Dital Har]), 11“.
Preston, of London, English Guitar by, 6.
Pyne, Dr. Kendrick, 80.
J. Kemlriok, Catalogue of iMusieal Inatrii.
uients by, 41/oot7io(e.
Reoe.n-cy H.\ri*-Lutk, the, 79.
Reid, C., portrait of Mies Powell by, 5.
Reynolds, portrait of Hon. Mrs. Charles Yorke
by, 5.
Rutherford, David, 16.
rp, , i^ugiisn uiutar, 1 7.
I heorbo, or double-headed Lute 30
Thompaon, C. and S., publishers, 17.
rhumh-key for G-atriug r.u the Harp-Lute, 80a.
innity College, Dublin, 1.
Tuning of the Harp-Lute, 70.
Ventuua, .32, 69, 70, 71.
\'ictoria and .Albert Museum. 2, 15, 25.
R^n'-Lute-Guitiir in the.
Wales, Pi{Inces.s C'iiakloitk op, taught by Ven-
tura, 79.
Walsb, J., 16.
Wheatstoue. C., additions to Harp-Lute by. 68.
lustriictinns for the improved Harp-Lute
by John Parr}', 31.
VSilson, William, publisher, 17.
Woflingtou, English Guitar-iunker, G /'ooltiolt.
Wornum, R., inventor and maker of the Anollo
Lyre, 161.
Yorke. the Hii.s. Mrs. Chaklbs, portrait by
Reynolds of, 109.
Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to His Majesty
at the PNlinburph I'niversity Press
ERRATA
P. 6, 20th line, delete “Thomas.”
P. 76, title of Plate, for “Gresi” read “Grisi.”
P. 132, last line, delete “both the instrument and.”
P. 133, 1st line, for “are” read “is.”
P. 145, 5th line from foot, read “Culwick.”
P. 148, 3rd line from foot, read “ Culwick.
r
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