They were ".procured from the most distinguished of the harpers who met at Belfast, in the year 1792.The harpers whose authority was chiefly relied on were Hempson, O'Neill, Higgins, Fanning and Black."ĭenis O'Hampsey (who Bunting called Denis Hempson) was especially important as a source as he was the only one of all the harpers that Bunting met who played in the old style with long fingernails. These terms, and their definitions and (where appropriate) musical examples, were printed on pages 20 to 28 of Edward Bunting's 1840 publication "The Ancient Music of Ireland". All these graces, shakes, double notes, chords, &c., had a different sound and expression, according to the method adopted in fingering, and stopping the vibration of the strings." "It is worthy of remark, that the harpers struck the upper notes of these chords first, instead of beginning with the lowest note, as the moderns do in their Arpeggios. The Welsh performed on their national harp in the same manner" "The Irish harpers played the treble with the left hand, and the bass with the right. Graces performed by the treble or left hand.
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