Ralf Kleemann - Harpist

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The New Celtic Harp

In Ralf Kleemann’s harp, traditional Celtic harp and modern harp design are merged into one. This type of harp is using the best of several epoques of European instrument making, creating a very clear shape and a versatile tone. The design is optimised for clarity of sound in order to help the musical palette;

"My music is very much about the actual sound of the instrument. Rather than running for raw loudness, I'm trying to interweave musical structures and timbres, trying to listen to what the instrument tells me. Each piece should be able to unfold itself and find to its unique and appropriate tone."

Ralf's Celtic harp was designed at the instrument workshop of the North German luthiers Frank Sievert & Burkhart Kleiner, who can look back upon more than 25 years of harp making experience. Frank Sievert has been creating several generations of modern Celtic harps with some unique design features and an unparalleled sound. The pictured model is a custom edition of the "Silmaril" model and features avant-garde semitone levers, a sound board that can swing freely in the bass section, as well as a shielded pickup system.

Pedal Harp

A while ago, Ralf added a double action pedal harp was added to his set of instruments. On it, he plays compositions with frequent key changes, jazz, as well as a selection of classical music.

It has 42 strings and is a medium-sized member of the pedal harp family, yet produces an astonishing sound volume. The harp is also fitted with a pickup system and was recently spotted in conjunction with a loop station...

Gothic Harp

This Gothic harp is a replica of a late medieval instrument on display in the German Museum in Nuremberg.

It has a warm and soft tone, which the player can modify with bray pins, coming close to a very eerie and yet luring period sound.