The Welsh Harp: The Music of Our Land and Our Hearts
The sweet, shimmering notes of the harp are as much a part of Wales as the mountains, the valleys, and the song of the people. In fact, no other instrument is so deeply woven into the fabric of Welsh tradition as the harp — our national instrument, and a symbol of beauty, poetry, and resilience.
For me, the sound of the Welsh harp doesn’t just echo through history; it touches the heart. It’s a living voice of our ancestors, singing across the hills and rivers of Cymru.
A Deep-Rooted History
The history of the harp in Wales stretches back over a thousand years. Harps were played in Welsh courts as early as the 11th century, and by the 13th century, the harp had become firmly established as a key part of Welsh culture. It was more than just entertainment — it was a highly respected art form.
During the time of the Laws of Hywel Dda (the great medieval Welsh lawmaker), harpists were given special status, with clear rules about their role in society. They were considered essential members of the court, their music believed to inspire nobility, wisdom, and bravery.
Three main musical professions were recognised in medieval Wales: the poet, the singer, and the harpist. Together, they preserved Welsh history, storytelling, and tradition through words and music — a living, breathing tapestry of the nation’s spirit.
The Sound of the Land
There is something incredibly powerful about the sound of the Welsh harp. Unlike any other instrument, it seems to carry the very soul of the landscape:
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The tumbling notes mimic the flow of rivers.
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The rich, deep tones echo the rolling hills and valleys.
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The bright, shimmering harmonies feel like the sun catching the dew on wild mountain heather.
The harp's music is both intimate and grand — it can fill a great hall, or whisper like the wind across the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia).
When you listen to a Welsh harpist, you are not just hearing music. You are hearing centuries of stories, battles, love, and longing — all expressed without a single word.
Catrin Finch: A Modern Voice for an Ancient Tradition
A former official Harpist to the Prince of Wales, Catrin has devoted her life to both preserving the traditional techniques of harp playing and pushing the instrument into exciting new territories. Her music moves effortlessly between classical, folk, and contemporary styles, showing the harp’s timeless versatility.
I was lucky enough to capture a video of Catrin Finch performing at a Welsh festival — and it was truly unforgettable. Watching her play live, hearing the notes rise and fall in that vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by people who love Wales as much as I do, was a deeply moving experience. She doesn’t just play the harp — she speaks through it, telling stories in every delicate pluck of the strings.
A Living Tradition
Today, the Welsh harp continues to thrive, taught to new generations, celebrated at festivals, and played proudly in concerts and ceremonies. From small village Eisteddfodau to international stages, the sound of the harp still resonates with the heart of Wales.
It connects us to the past, to each other, and to the wild beauty of our homeland. And every time I hear its golden voice, whether through a recording, a live performance, or the memories captured in my own video, I feel the deep truth of being Welsh — a belonging that sings from the earth itself.
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