Camac Blog
Camac Harps presents…Égérie
News
September 1, 2020
A contemporary interpretation of French savoir-faire
The exceptional sound of 19th-century French harps stems from their construction in curves, bends and arcs. These shapes were made by hand, meaning that harps were only available to the privileged few. The onset of 20th century manufacturing techniques played a vital role in making the harp more accessible, but the machines of the time necessitated straighter lines and a certain simplification of the instrument’s structure.
In the 21st century, technology can now achieve many things that earlier were only possible by hand. Camac has returned to Erard’s curved lines, in the context of modern luthiery.
The fruit of years of research
It took fifteen years to perfect these curved structures, and achieve the sound we wanted. This appeared firstly in our Concert Grand harps: the Canopée, the Art Nouveau, and then throughout the top of our range. These instruments soon became the choice of the finest soloists, and orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic, the Paris Opera, the Gewandhausorchester, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Deutsche Oper Berlin.
As we fielded the waiting lists for these exceptional harps, we wanted also to offer the nouveau son Camac – the new Camac sound – to the middle part of our range. The Égérie is the embodiment of this democratisation. The harp is available with either a straight or an extended soundboard, and with a beautiful, streamlined aesthetic.
A classic aesthetic for the artists of the future
“Égérie” means “Muse” in French. We wanted the harp’s aesthetic to speak to all harpists. Every artist studying classical forms today – be they musicians, ballet dancers, visual artists – are the future of great traditions that have been built up over centuries. We were inspired by this for the Égérie’s design, with its accents of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne.
The Art Déco influence is particularly visible in the Égérie’s optional soundboard decoration. It is the most ornate part of the harp – because the soundboard is the heart of the instrument’s sound.
To discover the Égérie, please contact us in Paris or Mouzeil, or via your Camac distributor.
Camac Harps
La Richerais BP15
F 44850 Mouzeil
France
Tel. +33.2.40.97.79.50
[email protected]
L’Espace Camac de Paris
92, rue Petit – 75019 – Paris
Tel. +33.1.40.40.08.40
[email protected]
Photos: Vincent Jacques
Wow, at last a full size harp at a sensible price point,is the soundboard decoration a free option?
Are the curvs you talk about inside the harp?
Looks a really nice simple shape, it won’t age quickly,& are the finishes Matt or semi Matt ?
Hopefully their will be some videos posted so we can all hear this Amazing sound.
Hi
Can anyone tell me,is there plenty of room at the top of the harp( egerie,straight soundboard)
For a natural hand position?.
And dose the harp have a natural balance point? ( ie,not heavy on the shoulder)
And are the pedals quiet and smooth in action,and are the finishes Matt,or semi Matt,?
Many thanks
Peter.
I am potentially,interested,in the Camac straight soundboard,egerie,
I would like to know, if there is plenty of room at the top of the harp ,for a natural hand position,
Plus,dose it have a good balance point,and are the pedals,smooth,& quiet,
If heard the build quality is very good,
One of the main attractions for me is that it has a 10 year warranty,and registration device.
I am potentially interested in a Camac egerie ex harp,
Can you tell me is there plenty of room at the top of these harps,? ( right hand).
Plus is the balance point ,a natural feel.and are the pedals,quite& smooth,?
And dose the new construction,give this harp good volume of sound,and depth of tone,?
Do they come with a house cover,and a rubber tuning key?
Many thanks,
Peter
Hi Peter, of course the question of room at the top of the harp is personal one, depending on your taste and physiology! However, many of our clients tell us that they appreciate the level of space at the top of Camac harps. The harp does indeed come with a key and house cover. Contact your local distributor to find out more.
Good day, I am excitedly waiting the arrival of my Camac Egerie harp. I have never owned a harp, never played a harp, but always loved the instrument. As I near retirement, I decided to “go for it”. I chose the Egerie as I love the design, the warranty and that it’s made in France. I approached the purchase of a harp as one would purchase a new car. I looked at various manufacturers, size, number of strings, pedal mechanism and Camac met all my requirements. I wanted a “real” harp, as this will be my one and only harp. A harp is like your lover, it rests on your shoulder, you embrace it with both arms and you grow old together.
What a wonderful story. We are so happy that you chose Camac, and we wish you well with your beautiful new Égérie harp!