Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Harpist Brings Happiness to Harringay
The Wool Merchant and the Harp – A Review
“Oh dear!” I thought. Just as I was about to leave, the snow began to fall. “But hey” I thought to myself. “We are talking a 400 yard walk, and you are a noted winter survival expert. So get your thermals on and get on the road” So, anyways, I head to St Paul’s and seconds after arriving I realise that the trek would have been worth it, even in a blizzard.
“When I tell people I’m a medieval harpist, people give me funny looks,” said Leah after her first piece. I really can’t think why, because all she would need to do is play and they would understand, because local musician Leah Studdart is a musician of phenomenal skill.
In this concert, harpist Leah looked back into the world of wool merchant and amateur musician George Cely and played the songs and pieces that he learned to play 500 years ago. Interspersed between each piece was Leah’s commentary on George’s life and the music of the time. This, together with her sublimely skilful playing made for a hugely enjoyable evening, what was well worth a walk in the snow for.
I only learned of this concert while looking on HOL in the afternoon and decided to go along entirely on an impulse. I am sure glad I did because this was a top draw event that would not been out of place at The Wigmore Hall. Seriously, this was a concert of PURE CLASS.
Afterwards Fr. Philip, the vicar of St Paul’s - a stunningly beautiful example of modern church design - announced that this could be the first of a series of concerts entitled ‘Music on the Ladder’. Now, that’s an idea I like very much indeed. And, if what you have planned in future is half as good as this evening’s event, then I think dear Fr. Philip that you are onto a very big winner indeed.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Hugh on
-
Thanks alot for posting this Reggie. I had intended to pop along but completely forgot about it.
I very much hope this will be the first of a series.
-
Permalink Reply by 3ttxmbrvy61sy on
-
What a lovely review - thank you so so much. I'm delighted you enjoyed yourself. Anyone interested in hearing it, I'm playing again on Thursday 9th February at 1.05pm at St Olave's Church on Hart Street, EC3R 7NB. Hope to see you there. Leah
-
Permalink Reply by James Atherton on
-
Leah,
Could I have a few more details about Thursday?
Thanks JAmes
-
-
Of course! I'll be playing the same programme of gorgeous 15th century music and explaining about George Cely who wrote in his accounting notebook that he learnt it from his teacher in Calais in 1474 and 1475, including how much he paid! As St Olave's is the church where George and his family worshipped in London, it's quite a special venue to be playing in. It's free entry and will last about 50 minutes. If you would like a quick flavour, please do visit http://soundcloud.com/leah-stuttard
-
-
That first track sounds almost like it's being played on a sitar. (Please don't throw virtual rocks at me).
-
-
Funny you should say that! The sound of my harp is rather unusual today though would have been common in the 15th century. It has small wooden pins called brays in the soundboard against which the strings vibrate to produce that rich nasal buzz that's so rhythmic and strong. (for those technically minded among you, the range and depth of the harmonics is increased by these pins). At the time, the harp was likened in volume to a trumpet or organ and it's obviously because the harp being referred to used this technique of projecting the sound. You can see the painting that my harp is based on here which is unfortunately a bit too small to allow you to see the bray pins. However, you can see a photo of my harp by the maker by scrolling down the page to where he says Memling I
-
-
yes, you can see the paler bray pins against the varnished soundboard (mine is all pale). and I have a few virtual sitars here to throw at you - much more interesting missiles.
-
Permalink Reply by Chris Setz on
-
Agree 100% - even my 14 year old appreciated it, and sh'es only into cool stuff.
The wonderfully evocative, beautifully played (and sung), somehow timeless music transported me back to the 1470s and yet was so 'modern'. Leah mentioned that the 16-17yr old Thomas Cely had paid 3s4d (about 14p) to be taught mainly dances on the harp or lute - about the cost of a week's hotel stay then - and this is the stuff he learned as he became a well-travelled wool merchant.
Almost always light and airy, with a c15th dance rhythm, significantly improvised; bang in the spirit of an age I guess, from which almost nothing musical remains. So, it was more than just a recital, it was truly an artistic interpretation and I loved it. You can only get medieval harp music like this from Leah - beautifully unique.
C.
-
-
I think having the approval of 2 different 14 year olds (even if one of them is my niece) surely must mean that I am in fact cool?!?? (hopeful expression).
thanks Chris! your presence and your words are both very appreciated.
-
-
Hi there Gail
thanks so much for your interest!....My next concert is in Copenhagen, sorry, but I do intend to play again in London. It'll probably be 2013 though now. My website which isn't yet active is www.leahstuttard.co.uk and it will have concert dates on it within the next couple of months. In the mean time, do keep checking my soundcloud (see link on other comment) where I will post some more soundbites.
© 2024 Created by Hugh.
Powered by
