The twelfth-century Welsh historian Giraldus Cambriensis, recalled the
Irish harpsong: "whose music is not slow and solemn as in the
instrumental music of Britain, but the sounds are rapid and
articulate, yet at the same time sweet and pleasing"--adding that
Scots harpers were more skillful "inasmuch as it is in that
country that they now resort as to the genuine source of the art'.
It should be noted that Giraldus in general was not prone to like
Irish things and in general favoured Norman positions. The British
hearpers seem to have been more the serious musicians. I welcome
flames from all who have actually heard 12th century harping. :-)
Ed Margerum
emargerum@mecn.mass.edu