Featherheads! Andrew and I were thrilled last week to discover that somewhere out there, in this very world, there is a REAL whistleharp that a real song maiden is learning to play.
A lot of folks have been intrigued and excited at the idea of building a whistleharp, and we’ve seen a number of beautiful and creative handmade (and even 3D-printed) versions. But to my knowledge, this one is the first that is actually playable.
Isn’t it beautiful?! It was an early 12th birthday gift for song maiden Jemima, created for her by her woodcrafting high-king father, Bryn. Says queen mama Ruth:
The 'Whistle' part is a Clarke original tin whistle in the key of D. My husband hand-carved the feather pieces to fit the whistle and the harp tuning pegs, bought a piece of aluminium tubing to bend for the harp edge, and [added] harp strings. It took quite a lot of tinkering to get it all to fit together and not bend out of tune when the strings get tightened!
Amazing!!
The birthday girl is thrilled, and is already teaching herself to play “Yurgen’s Tune.” :-)
A very happy birthday to you, Jemima! May the Maker bless you in all your adventures.
—Madame Sidler