Lynne Lewandowski Harps for Early Music

A customer writes:

Dear Lynne Lewandowski:

I guess my intention was to have something authentically 17th Century and Hispanic to play--nothing more. Imagine, then, my pleasure to find that the range of the Topaga is beautifully consistent from a bright treble through a luscious and substantial bass. Moreover, clarity is practically a fetish with me, and I'm certain it will be more than able to hold its own in accompanying singers and in consorts.

I got up this morning just before noon because I stayed up last night until four in the morning playing it. I kept telling myself that it's way past bedtime, but kept putting it off until I could luxuriate just once more with the Sanz Villano. I do admit, though, that some of that time was spent just quietly looking at the harp, and imagining how impressed the natives will be when I play it in public.

Not only sound, but appearance. The Topaga is elegant without prissiness, slender without frailty.

I'm sure I will be equally pleased with the Iberian double-strung when I get it this summer. Other harpists at the conference will have double or triple harps, but I expect I'll be the only one with one of yours. I am deliciously anticipating my response when they ask "What a beautiful harp! Who made it?"

Sincerely,

Samuel Milligan
Brooklyn, New York
April 11, 2010

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