A standard harmonic sounds one octave

higher. In the middle register we can also

Harmonics sound one octave higher than play fifth and double octave harmonics. You
notated (contrary to the Salzedo notation). must notate the sounding note as well.

notation sound

Range for fifth harmonics: Range for double octave

lowest C – f‘’ harmonics: lowest C – g’

Harmonics in the high

register will fail easily

Harmonics on the metal strings of the

harp sound soft and have less definition.

To produce a harmonic we muffle the string exactly in the

The right hand has a different
middle, while playing with our thumb. The tuning disc
technique and hand position
changes the length of the string, so a sharp harmonic is
and can only comfortably
played higher on the string than a flat harmonic.
produce 1 single harmonic.
Therefore it is much easier to produce double harmonics
when the two strings have the same accidental.

The left hand can play interval

harmonics (on different strings).

www.composingforharp.com Sabien Canton & Miriam Overlach www.composingforharp.com