Singers, actors, healers, composers,
musicians, storytellers, harpers
Welcome!
My name is Lynne Lewandowski. I design and build harps for the music of the middle ages and the European Renaissance. Since 1975, I’ve worked in a kind of Jurassic Park for medievalists, the field of bringing non-extant musical instruments back to life. I’ve drawn inspiration for these harps from iconography and relics, and the musical traditions and technology of their historical day. Welcome to early music!
Why would you chose to play an early harp? Aside from the harp’s dramatic appearance, there is wide acoustic variety between gut strings, brass strings, sitar-like brays. If you like to improvise melodies or add tonal rhythm to your performance, harp is a good choice. If you have a musically inventive spirit, you can teach yourself. There are also fine summer workshops where medieval harp is welcome and taught.
About this website
“Harps” features new and archival photos of the psalteries, lyres and harps from my workshop. You’re always welcome to e-mail me at lynneski@sover.net to discuss the details of the instruments before you place your order. The instrument will be custom built for you.
“Answers” will reply to frequently asked questions about historical harps (including my bio, “Who are you?”)
In the “Book of Lynne,” I’ve condensed my four best wishes if you are considering the profession of harpbuilding.
I'd like to thank all of you who have included these instruments in your performances. You are the ones who give voice to early music.
Have a wonderful time! Please write, and let me know how you’re doing.
All best regards,
Lynne |