Investigation of the techniques used in the chamber music works with harp of contemporary Turkish composers

Through the changes that it underwent in the 19th century, the harp assumed the concert form used today, consequently, the possibility of techniques for the instrument's execution was expanded. On this aspect, the methods were written about basic performance techniques, later, research, essays and notation books on modern techniques of harp performance came to light. Since the second half of the 20th century, the inclusion of modern harp techniques and effects are found in general literature, especially in orchestration books. However, in Turkey, there is not enough research in this area. The study examines the techniques used in harp chamber music works by contemporary Turkish composers. For this, in addition to the use of ergonomic techniques and effects, the objective of the study was to create a design guide to increase awareness of the symbols and definitions of these performance methods. In the study, literature review techniques, qualitative data research and descriptive analysis method were used due to lack of knowledge of the technical characteristics of the harp instrument and the methods used. In this context, techniques used in 14 pieces of chamber music with harp composed by 13 Turkish composers after the year 2010 were examined. The structure of the study was divided in plucking the string, damping, glissando, percussion, pedal techniques and materials used for effects. In the light of the data obtained, the results of chamber music works with harp are shared, which will contribute as a guide to the contemporary repertoire.