The Gaelic harp is still a rare instrument and so there are very few truly excellent recordings available.

The best is Ann Heymann's 2006 CD titled Cruit go nÓr - Harp of Gold which includes solo tracks as well as examples of Gaelic harp with voice and with other early instruments. Ann's previous, entirely solo CD, Queen of Harps is also highly recommended.

The music of the Gaelic harp was always closely associated with the singing of Gaelic poetry. Siobhán Armstrong is the front runner in this field, working with professional Irish sean nós singers. Her own CD Cláirseach na hÉireann includes 4 tracks with Bríd Ní Mhaoilchiaráin, while Siobhán plays on one track of Róisín Elsafty's CD Má Bhionn Tú Liom Bí Liom. 

My own CD, Clàrsach na Bànrighe, is a showcase for the replica Queen Mary harp. It contains medieval and later Scottish repertory, including one Gaelic song. The complete repertory of John Robertson of Lude, who owned and played the Queen Mary harp in the early 18th century, is presented as the second half of the CD. I also have a second CD now available, Old Gaelic Laments.

The first person (to my knowledge) to record early Irish harp music was Mabel Dolmetsch in 1937. Click here for more info.

Click on the dates above or below for comprehensive chronological listings. Many of these titles can be ordered from the Emporium.

Simon Chadwick