Celestin Hochbrucker
Quick Summary
Celestin Hochbrucker was a Bavarian harp maker who made significant contributions to the development of the pedal harp. In 1720, he invented a mechanism that used seven pedals to control hooks, which could alter the pitch of selected strings. This innovation allowed harpists to play a wider range of notes, moving the instrument towards greater chromatic capability. Hochbrucker's single-action pedal harp was later improved upon by other makers, eventually leading to the modern double-action pedal harp used in orchestras today.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
harpIn 1720 the Bavarian Celestin Hochbrucker added seven pedals that controlled the hooks via levers set in the forepillar. Hochbruckerâs single-action pedal harp was improved in 1750, when Georges Cousineau replaced the hooks with metal plates that gripped the strings while leaving them in plane, and in 1792, whenâŠ
Read MoreIn 1720 the Bavarian Celestin Hochbrucker added seven pedals that controlled the hooks via levers set in the forepillar. Hochbruckerâs single-action pedal harp was improved in 1750, when Georges Cousineau replaced the hooks with metal plates that gripped the strings while leaving them in plane, and in 1792, whenâŠ
Read More- pedal harp
In 1720 Celestin Hochbrucker, a Bavarian, attached the hooks to a series of levers in the forepillar (which thenceforth became hollow), controlled by seven pedals.
Read MoreIn 1720 Celestin Hochbrucker, a Bavarian, attached the hooks to a series of levers in the forepillar (which thenceforth became hollow), controlled by seven pedals.
Read More