HENT TELENN BREIZH
THE EARLY CELTIC HARP
The harp which was the Celts’s treasure until the end of their independance in the 18th century in Scotland shows constant features: a one piece willow soundbox, high tension brass ("bronze") strings whith bell-like sounds. The harp lying against the harper’s left shoulder, on his heart, was played with fingernails –the opposite of modern harp playing. Those playing techniques admired by medieval writers, have now been rediscovered and are taught in Brittany by the association HENT TELENN BREIZH, "The Way of the Breton Harp".
Teaching is done orally, according to the practice of traditional music, and includes dancing and singing in Breton, Gaelic, and French languages. No previous experience required unless specified on program. Teaching is done in French and Breton languages, English spoken.
The HENT TELENN BREIZH association’s purpose is the rediscovery of the ancient Celtic harp with bronze strings and its reintegration into Breton music.
Tutor : Violaine Mayor, one of the rare specialists of the early Celtic harp. She has quickly become a reference with international renown with her style of playing flowing, energetic and very subtle.
EARLY CELTIC HARP CLASSES
2007
with Violaine Mayor
Plouneour-Menez (29) Brittany
Association HENT TELENN BREIZH,
The Way of the Breton Harp Tel : 02 98 78 93 25
PROGRAM of CLASSES 2007
Early Celtic harp classes ( for metal strung harps) with historical playing techiques using the fingernails.
In Brittany, in the beautiful landscape of the Monts d’Arrée, in the small town of Plouneour-Menez (29), south of Morlaix.
Place: " Salle polyvalente ".
Timetable: 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.30
-From 5 to 10 august: " Telenn ar Gelted " week, early Celtic harp class, intermediate/advanced levels. Theme of the class : The great music for the harp (Ap Huw-Penllyn manuscript and canntaireachd). Concerts and workshops (dance, singing and Breton language). Takes place within the local Bro Chelgen festival.
The great music used to be played on the harp with a strong power on emotions. It was part of the clans’ life both Gaels and Bretons.
-27 - 28 october : harp class for all levels.
Theme of the class : Kan ha diskan (Breton singing for dancing.)
The music of living Brittany, with an approach by singing and dancing, and the use of efficient and natural harp fingerings.
FEES 2007
(
Tuition + Harp hiring* )2 days class ( 80 euros + 16 euros)
Telenn arGelted class (260 euros + 32 euros)
*Study harp with bronze strings and historical spacing, in the limit of our stock. A 300 euros deposit is required to secure harp hiring for the length of the class.
-Reduced fee for students under 18 : - 50% of teaching fees.
-Membership of Hent Telenn Breizh is required to follow a class: 15 € /year.
-The fees include teaching and access to all events (concerts, evenings...). They don’t include meals nor accomodation (information about accomodation on request).
Application : Please send your application form by postal mail with a deposit of 50% of the class fees, non-refundable if you cancell less than 15 days before the class. Your registration will be confirmed by letter. Registration closing happens at latest a week before the beggining of the class. The number of students in each class is limited ; a class may also be cancelled if the number of students is too low.
N.B. : As these classes welcome students under 18, alcohol, smoking, drugs and all kinds of sales are prohibited. Thank you for your understanding.
Inquiries and application :
Association HENT TELENN BREIZH
Kerguz, 29410 Plouneour-Menez
Bretagne, France
Tel. : 02 98 78 93 25
MP3 extracts from albums:
Strujenn Haleg (Willow shoot)