“It appears that on the old Welsh harps of the sixteenth century there were pegs or brays emerging from the string-holes, in Welsh called gwrachïod, (Mersenne called them harpions), which could be adjusted to press on the strings. In later times these brays caused a buzzing effect which added a percussive sound for dancing…” – Osian Ellis, The Story of the Harp in Wales
“Precise, angled brays / Speaking every profound feeling.” “Ceimion wrachïod cymmwys / Yn siarad pob teimlad dwys.”
(From a cywydd requesting a harp by Huw Machno FL. 1560-1637)
Rhodri Davies is a harpist, improviser, composer, and multidisciplinary artist. He plays harp, bray harp, horsehair harp, and electric harp, and builds wind, water, ice, dry ice, and fire harp installations. His work explores experimental sounds, extended techniques, and collaborations with other artists, continually expanding the expressive possibilities of the harp across solo and ensemble contexts. For this performance, he will play the bray harp.
