Harp Making in
Late-Georgian London
At the end of the eighteenth century, after the French Revolution, the centre of pedal-harp making moved from Paris to London. There, building on the work of its Bavarian originators and Parisian developers, mainly immigrant makers elevated the instrument to new musical, technical, and decorative heights, and placed it in the hands and salons of the British upper classes and aristocracy. Until recently, the story of harp making in England has been dominated by the Erard family who built about 7,000 of an estimated 15,000 harps made in London during the nineteenth century; some 20 other makers have been all but forgotten.
This book, the story of harp making in late-Georgian England, assesses the role and consumption of the harp in society whilst describing its decorative and technical development. Forgotten makers and their innovations are identified. Through the lens of newly discovered documents and the reinterpretation of others, Jacob Erat's manufactories are reconstructed. His working methods, illustrative of those used in the wider industry, are rediscovered, and employees and suppliers are revealed anew.
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ISBN: 9781527265110
428 pages
Price: £60
Harp Making in
Late-Georgian London
At the end of the eighteenth century, after the French Revolution, the centre of pedal-harp making moved from Paris to London. There, building on the work of its Bavarian originators and Parisian developers, mainly immigrant makers elevated the instrument to new musical, technical, and decorative heights, and placed it in the hands and salons of the British upper classes and aristocracy. Until recently, the story of harp making in England has been dominated by the Erard family who built about 7,000 of an estimated 15,000 harps made in London during the nineteenth century; some 20 other makers have been all but forgotten.
This book, the story of harp making in late-Georgian England, assesses the role and consumption of the harp in society whilst describing its decorative and technical development. Forgotten makers and their innovations are identified. Through the lens of newly discovered documents and the reinterpretation of others, Jacob Erat's manufactories are reconstructed. His working methods, illustrative of those used in the wider industry, are rediscovered, and employees and suppliers are revealed anew.
​
ISBN: 9781527265110
428 pages
Price: £60
Help Bring the World of Musical Instruments to Life: Support ‘Instrumental,’ a new Podcast on Organology
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Music is a universal language, and musical instruments are its voice. From ancient flutes crafted from bone to cutting-edge electronic synthesisers, the story of musical instruments is the story of human culture, creativity, and connection. Organology, the fascinating science of musical instruments, unravels their histories, design, manufacture, collection, and classification.
I’m launching a podcast to explore this rich and vibrant field, and we need your help to make it resonate.
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To bring these stories to life, I’m seeking funding for recording equipment and microphones. With your support, we can ensure that every note, interview, and sound is captured with clarity, precision, and the quality.​
Why This Podcast Matters
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Musical instruments are more than tools for creating sound; they are cultural artifacts, technological achievements, and personal treasures. Yet, the stories behind them are often overlooked. Through this podcast, I aim to:
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Educate: Explore how instruments are made, how they evolved, and how they function. Learn about the physics of sound and the artistry of instrument design.
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Inspire: Highlight the creativity of luthiers, inventors, and musicians who push the boundaries of what instruments can do.
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Preserve: Share the histories and stories of rare and endangered instruments, connecting listeners to the cultural and historical contexts in which they were created.
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Celebrate Diversity: Showcase instruments from every corner of the globe, revealing the rich tapestry of human expression through sound.
By blending expert interviews, captivating stories, and the sounds of instruments themselves, the podcast will deliver an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and deepens appreciation for the world of organology.
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Why I Need Your Support
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Creating a high-quality podcast requires more than passion; it requires the right tools. To ensure we produce episodes that do justice to the intricate sounds and compelling narratives of musical instruments, we need professional recording equipment, including:
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Studio-Quality Microphones: Your contributions will buy two Shure SM58 microphones to capture crisp, clear audio, and a pair of microphone stands.
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Recording Equipment: a Zoom H4N Pro voice recorder will allow field recording to record interviewees and instruments in their natural environments.
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Sound Editing Software: To craft seamless episodes that are as polished as the instruments we feature.
These tools will enable the production of a podcast that sounds as good as the instruments showcased. Your contribution will help us build a soundscape that transports listeners into the heart of the stories.
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Be Part of the Journey
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By supporting our podcast, you’ll help preserve and celebrate the art and science of musical instruments for a global audience. Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, your contribution will make a meaningful impact.
Together, we can ensure that the voices of instruments—and the people who create, play, and study them—are heard loud and clear. Join us in this journey of discovery and help us share the magic of musical instruments with the world.
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Let’s make music history come alive. Thank you for your support!
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Dr Mike Baldwin, November 2024
