The Mexican Harp also known as Arpa Jarocha or Arpa de mariachi Is a large wooden harp that is normally played while standing. The arpa jarocha is from Veracruz, Mexico. one of the various forms of harp that evolved from models introduced by Spain in the 16th century, and traced even back further to the Arabs who had occupied Spain for 700 years.
The arpa is one of the main instruments used in the conjunto jarocho; a type of Mexican folk ensemble. The musical style in which arpa jarocha is also heard is "sones jarochos," which blends Spanish and African-influenced rhythms. Within this genre, the arpa typically provides the main melodies, while instruments such as the jarana guitar and the requinto provide rhythms and counter-melodies.
It consists of a wooden frame, a resonator, a flat soundboard, 32-36 strings (nylon or gut strings), and does not have pedals. This harp is tuned diatonically over five octaves. The top of its soundboard sometimes arches outward due to the tension of the strings. Unlike other Mexican harps, the arpa jarocha has its sound holes located on the back of the sound board instead of on the front.
The performer uses one hand to play the bass line on the low strings and uses the other hand to play arpeggiated melodies on the higher strings. The soundboard has also been known to be used as a percussive device, though this is rare.
Refrences:
https://www.harpspectrum.org/folk/History_of_Latin_American_Harps.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arpa_jarocha
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The Mexican Harp also known as Arpa Jarocha or Arpa de mariachi Is a large wooden harp that is normally played while standing. The arpa jarocha is from Veracruz, Mexico. one of the various forms of harp that evolved from models introduced by Spain in the 16th century, and traced even back further to the Arabs who had occupied Spain for 700 years.
The arpa is one of the main instruments used in the conjunto jarocho; a type of Mexican folk ensemble. The musical style in which arpa jarocha is also heard is "sones jarochos," which blends Spanish and African-influenced rhythms. Within this genre, the arpa typically provides the main melodies, while instruments such as the jarana guitar and the requinto provide rhythms and counter-melodies.
It consists of a wooden frame, a resonator, a flat soundboard, 32-36 strings (nylon or gut strings), and does not have pedals. This harp is tuned diatonically over five octaves. The top of its soundboard sometimes arches outward due to the tension of the strings. Unlike other Mexican harps, the arpa jarocha has its sound holes located on the back of the sound board instead of on the front.
The performer uses one hand to play the bass line on the low strings and uses the other hand to play arpeggiated melodies on the higher strings. The soundboard has also been known to be used as a percussive device, though this is rare.
Refrences:
https://www.harpspectrum.org/folk/History_of_Latin_American_Harps.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arpa_jarocha