The morning call., 1893-03-15

sixth century, when the bards were the his
tOrians of the courts aud the nobility. they
always accompanied their recltals on the
harp.
In those days the harp was the musical
Instrument of the higher classes, and to be
a master of the harp denoted the gentle
man. One who could not play the harp
evinced thereby a lack of proper education,
and hence of social standing.
Way back in EEypi, al almost the dawn
of the human race, the harp first cana into
vogue. 1t originated out of the bow ana
arrow-maD's first instrument Of defense.
Tine warrior found that there was
melody In his bow when the cord was
stretched 10 a nicely. Then, in due time,
some bright warrior bethought him 10
stretch q second cord TO his bow. This
gave greater diversity of musical tone.
"A third and II fourth string was added;
then, long years later. the sounding board
was invented. and SO the harp became a
musical instrument capable of expressing
the FrRndest melodies.
Yes; it is very difficult to learn to play
the harp. mach more so than any other in
strument. Aud it takes q great deal of
physical strength. too"
One would hardly believe this when hav-
ing in view that the delicately nodded
fragie-looking woman who spoke is a mas
ter harpist-the master, in truth.
But it is true," said Miss Morgan, "the
snfIesi. sweetest, most liquid tones require
the greatest expenditure of physical energy
and strength. Ones hands and fingers
must be strong to get the pure notes from
the harp.
Yet l have found in these very difficult
ties The greatest delight. Only when one
must work hard to conquer can one fully
appreciate the victory.
when l first played the harp in New
York City the only maker ia this country
told me he had not sold single instrument
for fifteen years.
Yes; 1t is much better than that now. /
have many pupils in New York, and think
| can see decided change in the more
learned musical circles in favor OF the
harp. Yet there is a sad apathy displayed
toward this instrument.
Many people look upon 1t m erely as a
framework CT setting for the old-fashioned
ballads, instead Of taking it seriously and
approaching its wonderful possibilities,
List did great work for the harp, and
so did Wagner, who used six harps in his
'Rheingold. AlYars is a splendid writer
for the harp. and there are in Europe to-
day some great haTpists.
Queen Victoria is great lover OF the
harp and now the nobility OF England are
Its chief patrons. The Queen is passion
ately fond OF the instrument and John
Thomas. who Is coming 10 this country dur
ing the Worlds Fair, is especially attached
to her court. He is one Of the master harp
lists.
There are but three harpmakers in the
world. and not until 1910 was the first per-
feet harp made. Since then it has served as
the model for all future makers
''Yes, that is my life work to preath and
teach the beauties OF the harp. and induce
somebody to found harp school, That
will take time yet and | have not vet the
knowledge needed for so great a WORK.
1T must be definitely known and settled
upon just what music belongs to the harp
and what does not. its possibilities must be
explored to the every end. When this end
has been attained, then the harp school will
be established.
Yes; l hope to do that work. All its
possibilities must be set forth in a book on
the harp. and then It's history and its eyolu-
tion from the earliest times must be given.
such work, L am satisfied, will be in
valuable TO those who love the harp, and il
will be the means, more than anything else,
OF disclosing to the world what they have
missed during all these long years when the
harp has been in public disfavor.
Have l studied hard? Well. you can
judge. I PLAYED first In concert with Ole
Bull in New York. / was very young then,
only II years old. was to play Gounod's
Ave Marie"
For many days. even weeks, / practiced
eight hours every day. and played 1000 scales
every day.
But my success when the eventful day
arrived more than repaid me for IL ALL
II WAS applauded very literally aud the
press spoke very kindly of my effort But
what was better than all was the praise of
Ole Bull. He was delighted. He took my
hand In his and kissed 1t and spoke words
OF praise that were very dear to Ine-just as
though / had been grown woman
No. there were no teachers of the harp
in America when l studied. / studied at
home and all alone / had to take piano
music and adapt it to the harp
when | went to Europe Herr Oberthur
was delighted with my performances aud |
was at once introduced to the royal favor.
Il nope We will be able to have a grand
harp recital at the Colunl bian Exposition.
/ am working very hard for that. AS a mem
Der of the advisory Committee
MY idea is for every harpist to sink his
or her identity in favor of the instrument.
l want grand chorus Of harps TO be heard.
to let the world know hat the harp can do
"But this plan Is n OF meeting with all the
favor l could hope for it. The harpists are
reluctant to sink their own individuality in
grand chorus. They love themsel YES bet
ter than the harp fear"