Magical Strings

Subject: Magical Strings
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 09:07 AM

This lovely duo just came to Nelson NH. I had heard of them but never seen them before. Hammer dulcimer and harp, with some concertina and tin whistle and an instrument from Madagascar whose name escapes me. The brilliant harping of Philip Boulding made my evening.
Has anyone else seen/heard them?

Subject: RE: Magical Strings
From: Stewart
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 02:42 PM

Yes, they come from Seattle and their web site is HERE

Among other things, they put on some wonderful Christmas concerts in the Puget Sound area, have a number of CDs available, and run a music school - hammered dulcimer and harp. A great group.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Magical Strings
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 04:48 PM

And a 3-day harp camp in the summer which sounds wonderful!

Subject: RE: Magical Strings
From: John P
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 09:43 AM

Phil also builds harps and hammered dulcimers. My first harp was one of his. When you take his harp class, the price includes a student harp.

The African thing was probably a kora.

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: Magical Strings
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 01:08 PM

... which often have recycled bicycle cables for strings, in their indigenous circumstances... The cables are peeled apart into their respective strands, which are tone producing under tention...

Magical Strings make beautiful music, and they bring in a generational aspect with their talented and inspired family! Fine and grand, to be sure. ttr

Subject: RE: Magical Strings
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Apr 03 - 05:16 PM

The African instrument was a valiha, a long (about 1 meter) tubular instrument strung longways all the way around with, yes, bicycle cables and tuned with moveable bridges made from bits of gourd. Phil played it like he grew up with it!