I once asked a friend of mine, Ed Druzinski, who was harpist for the Chicago Symphony, what he thought of Harpo Marx. His comment was that Harpo was a master of the instrument. High praise, coming from a man who spent thirty years as harpist for the Chicago Symphony!
Harpo always plays serious... he never touches the harp without respect. he makes jokes, while playing piano, but never while playing harp. immediately after he stops playing the harp, he is playing the fool again. For that I love Harpo
When Harpo sat down to play the harp the clown stepped away for a few moments and Arthur Marx would take over. He was, is and always will remain one of the great musical talents of the 20th century.
In his book, he mentioned that he was once asked how much of the character was himself. He said that it was all an act. Except when he played the harp. "That's all me" he said.
There was ornamentation in his exemplary harp playing. Harpo was also the quintessential family man who loved his lifelong partner and wife, Susan very much. They both raised four children together. Although he and Susan did not have children of their own, they magnanimously adopted four children: Bill, Alex, Jimmy, and Minnie. In 1948 Harpo was once asked by George Burns how many children he planned to adopt to which Harpo graciously answered, "I’d like to adopt as many children as I have windows in my house. So when I leave for work, I want a kid in every window, waving goodbye." (1888 -1964) RIP Harpo 😢
He always played it serious. Harpo at his instrument was a moment of beauty in those movies, where he would slightly get out of character and give us some awe inspiring joyful music.
That peaceful look to the heavens in Night at the Opera, while hugging his harp for a few seconds prior to playing a mind-blowing masterpiece...classic
After seeing Harpo play, I so wanted to play a harp, too. It was my favorite instrument. Alas, my mom could not afford to give me lessons or buy a harp - so it never happened. I'm still grateful to Harpo - and to my mom for saving up $1 so I could go to the Young People's Concert at Severance Hall in Cleveland -- conducted by George Szell. Wow!
@@juliewitt7496 that was back before giant corporations, greed, and extortion. TODAY people cant "find" a harp. OR a sax, OR a trumpet. TODAY, those instruments are an arm and a leg. TODAY< wages are worse than the past, in comparison to buying power. If not for the so called "socialist" assistance, food itself would be hard to buy if left solely up to the wages corporate america is paying most americans.
As much as I loved watching the comedic antics of The Marx Brothers, I especially looked forward to the moments when Harpo played the harp. He obviously was a serious musician, gracefully executing various glissando articulations, in particular, the bisbigliando glissando, as well as harmonics. I enjoyed watching Chico perform on piano, but Harpo demonstrated a very serious talent for the harp.
I never thought to hear this! In 1962, I wrote Harpo, asking his permission to enter the Israel Harp Contest (Guardian Angels as my American choice). From El Rancho Harpo, he answered: Inviting me there-to share his harp version, as the published piece was for piano... I was not good enough to enter-and had to decline Harpo’s kindness.
No one can come close to Harpo's harp playing; no offense to those who play the harp. Harpo played with passion and feeling, it was almost like a love story, magical. I can listen to Harpo play all day long. Absolutely stunning. R.I.P. Harp Marx
I'm happy to see this..high talent...A gifted performer...there is much to be learned about past entertainers and performers...RUclips is really a TIME Machine ...amazing the PRIVILEGES our Modern day affords us..
One thing I do not think anyone has mentioned yet is that (I think) Harpo was donating his time and talent for this performance as this program was a War Bond rally meant to raise funds to support our soldiers fighting in the last weeks of World War II.
What Harpo is playing here (and improvising upon) is the song, “Guardian Angels” - for which Harpo composed the music. Mario Lanza recorded that same song, and his rendition is available here on RUclips.
I've never been one for musicals, but the Marx Brothers' movies are the exception, as I enjoy the piano playing of Chico and Harpo's harp playing. My favorite part of Harpo's playing is his usual finishing up of the piece he's playing, like the one here. His hands move so fast on those strings, but lightly. I've got a copy of his book, "Harpo Speaks" and he admitted that he couldn't read music, but there it is.
The story is that Harpo picked up the harp on his own and played for several years before he concluded did not have proper technique. . He hired harp several teachers, who instead of teaching him, one after the other, just watched him in awe. He was a brilliant player.
When I was a kid I seen Harpo and wanted a harp. I think I must have gone on about it, because one Christmas morning there was a present so big we couldn't see the Christmas tree. I remember being a little disappointed, because I had forgot about asking for a harp and thought it was a large pond yacht, and I remember dad complaining his armchair had been given to the neighbor to make room - I never did learn to play it - it's still at my parents house. My dad was not very sophisticated and wanted me to be the same and he never let me forget about the harp. Whenever, I would have a house, car or boat repossessed by the loan company, my dad would say, _'You couldn't just want a harmonica like most kids'_ That's probably why they call it _'harping on'_ ...
I've read this is a Harpo composition called 'Guardian Angels', but some people here says is a song known as "When The Moon Shines on the Moonshine", and that song sounds a little similar. So... I don´t know, but this is awesome.
Ha! I wonder where he got his 'name' from!? But seriously, this is wonderful! I just wish i could tell Harpo just how amazing he was/is. What an incredible talent! Just lovely... \m/ (:o)
I think the song is "When The Moon Shines on the Moonshine"; can anyone confirm this? If so, it's certainly a bizarre choice of song to be given the "classical" treatment. (Well, that's how good a harpist Harpo was!)
+Voodoo Cat Here's a link the album on which I first (and so far, only) have heard that song: www.allmusic.com/album/music-of-prohibition-mw0000594700 It's the soundtrack to an A&E documentary about Prohibition. Take a listen to it and tell me if you think I've nailed it.
+Rich in 212: "When the Moon Shines on the Moonshine," a song associated with the "Follies" legend Bert Williams in the 1910's, is an entirely different melody than this one.
The Marx Brothers were all very talented. But, Harpo is the only one who goes into the magical, musical zone where he is no longer aware of anything but the music.
I miss movies like the Marx brothers they were full of fun and so not PC we need more of this humour today instead of all the crap we get on TV an Movies Jackie Chan is the closest thing we have now to that comedy
glpxt Right. There was a commotion outside one of their performances and Julius (Groucho) made a bunch of snappy remarks about it that everyone thought was funny, and it just grew from there.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
I once asked a friend of mine, Ed Druzinski, who was harpist for the Chicago Symphony, what he thought of Harpo Marx. His comment was that Harpo was a master of the instrument. High praise, coming from a man who spent thirty years as harpist for the Chicago Symphony!
Yes I agree he was magnificent on the Harp.
Harpo always plays serious... he never touches the harp without respect. he makes jokes, while playing piano, but never while playing harp. immediately after he stops playing the harp, he is playing the fool again. For that I love Harpo
I seen him rip all the strings off as he made funny faces, I'm sure you can find it on youtube
Angelika van Coevenhoven he was a tremendous talent...
Angelika van Coevenhoven 🤗❤️
When Harpo sat down to play the harp the clown stepped away for a few moments and Arthur Marx would take over. He was, is and always will remain one of the great musical talents of the 20th century.
In his book, he mentioned that he was once asked how much of the character was himself. He said that it was all an act. Except when he played the harp. "That's all me" he said.
There was ornamentation in his exemplary harp playing. Harpo was also the quintessential family man who loved his lifelong partner and wife, Susan very much. They both raised four children together. Although he and Susan did not have children of their own, they magnanimously adopted four children: Bill, Alex, Jimmy, and Minnie. In 1948 Harpo was once asked by George Burns how many children he planned to adopt to which Harpo graciously answered, "I’d like to adopt as many children as I have windows in my house. So when I leave for work, I want a kid in every window, waving goodbye." (1888 -1964) RIP Harpo 😢
aweee 1 of harpos kids had the same name as his mom! 💓
I read that years ago and I still well up at the sweetness of it.
Fantastic
Harpo was Truely a beautiful harp player, and a sweet person in real life! I wish he was still around!
Our world was better to have had this man in it for 75 years.
If only we could have kept him for another 75!
There will always be harpists but there will never be another harpo
I remember this guy. I'm 70 and still amazed.
amen!
He always played it serious. Harpo at his instrument was a moment of beauty in those movies, where he would slightly get out of character and give us some awe inspiring joyful music.
It was the highlight of every film. Grew up with it. Fabulous.
That peaceful look to the heavens in Night at the Opera, while hugging his harp for a few seconds prior to playing a mind-blowing masterpiece...classic
The only harpist I ever saw that could make it sound like Spanish Guitar.
Then you have to know Xavier de Maistre👍
Just look at his perfect hand position and relaxation as he plays.... amazing
Immortal talent
After seeing Harpo play, I so wanted to play a harp, too. It was my favorite instrument.
Alas, my mom could not afford to give me lessons or buy a harp - so it never happened.
I'm still grateful to Harpo - and to my mom for saving up $1 so I could go to the Young People's Concert at Severance Hall in Cleveland -- conducted by George Szell.
Wow!
I'm sure you know Harpo taught himself. The family was too poor to pay for lessons. His maternal grandmother was also a harpist.
@@juliewitt7496 that was back before giant corporations, greed, and extortion. TODAY people cant "find" a harp. OR a sax, OR a trumpet. TODAY, those instruments are an arm and a leg. TODAY< wages are worse than the past, in comparison to buying power. If not for the so called "socialist" assistance, food itself would be hard to buy if left solely up to the wages corporate america is paying most americans.
Occasionally, Harpo consulted master Harp instructors. (One was Maryjane Barton, my own
fundamental teacher, in L.A.)
@@themtb2003 I call BS
Harpo is my favorite of the Marx brothers. I love them all but Harpo was special. He was a genius. Truly funny and talented
His performances almost bring me to tears.
i have yet to see anyone anywhere close to trying to play like this man did on a harp.
In later yrs he went to take harp lessons as he was completely self taught. A very respected teacher admitted she could teach him nothing.
I've never seen anyone play the harp as great as the incomparable Harpo.
You're damned right! If there is some other harpist who can play like Harpo, why don't they do it?
As much as I loved watching the comedic antics of The Marx Brothers, I especially looked forward to the moments when Harpo played the harp. He obviously was a serious musician, gracefully executing various glissando articulations, in particular, the bisbigliando glissando, as well as harmonics. I enjoyed watching Chico perform on piano, but Harpo demonstrated a very serious talent for the harp.
Thanks Harpo.Practice makes wonderful.
I never thought to hear this! In 1962, I wrote Harpo, asking his permission to enter the Israel Harp Contest (Guardian Angels
as my American choice). From El Rancho Harpo, he answered:
Inviting me there-to share his harp version, as the published piece was for piano... I was not good enough to enter-and had to decline Harpo’s kindness.
I hope you kept that note! What a wonderful story!
What an artist this man really was.🌹
No one can come close to Harpo's harp playing; no offense to those who play the harp. Harpo played with passion and feeling, it was almost like a love story, magical. I can listen to Harpo play all day long. Absolutely stunning. R.I.P. Harp Marx
I've been reading his autobiography he was a genius
Classical, enjoyed the brothers growin up. Thank you !
OMG! Throat-chokingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing this...
What an amazing mind to be able to switch from slapstick to classical in a second or two.
essex peter I was thinking the same thing!
I'm happy to see this..high talent...A gifted performer...there is much to be learned about past entertainers and performers...RUclips is really a TIME Machine ...amazing the PRIVILEGES our Modern day affords us..
This is called Guardian Angel. Composed by Harpo Marx himself
Thank you so very much for posting this!
This man could be anything... and anything in between.
One thing I do not think anyone has mentioned yet is that (I think) Harpo was donating his time and talent for this performance as this program was a War Bond rally meant to raise funds to support our soldiers fighting in the last weeks of World War II.
Never learning to read music he played by ear. An amazing talent. I love the harp and Harpo was a master at it. Extraordinary
Harpo needs to be installed into hall of fame of comedy n music too
I love how he pulls the harmonics, a master at comedy & a legend as musician, Harpo was awesome.
Love harpo I remember when I was young every Sunday after church we all watched all the old movies. Ioved the marx's brothers. They all made me laugh
Genius takes on many forms.
I have always loved Harpo
AND, Chico was a great piano player. These guys were EXTREMELY talented. His entrance was hilarious.
Phenomenal talent and so Natural no computers either
Harpo was such a versatile comedian and musician.
Sublime
What Harpo is playing here (and improvising upon) is the song, “Guardian Angels” - for which Harpo composed the music. Mario Lanza recorded that same song, and his rendition is available here on RUclips.
Guardian Angels was also recorded by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Harpo played the harp on her cover version.
He was so good!
I've never been one for musicals, but the Marx Brothers' movies are the exception, as I enjoy the piano playing of Chico and Harpo's harp playing. My favorite part of Harpo's playing is his usual finishing up of the piece he's playing, like the one here. His hands move so fast on those strings, but lightly. I've got a copy of his book, "Harpo Speaks" and he admitted that he couldn't read music, but there it is.
Thanks so much for uploading this and especially for taking the time to capture it from the print!
Mad genius on that harp!
He was stupendous.
Love this what a genius
Thanks for this, it's a gem!
as fan of marx brothers. enjoy the films, and music
The story is that Harpo picked up the harp on his own and played for several years before he concluded did not have proper technique. . He hired harp several teachers, who instead of teaching him, one after the other, just watched him in awe. He was a brilliant player.
When I was a kid I seen Harpo and wanted a harp. I think I must have gone on about it, because one Christmas morning there was a present so big we couldn't see the Christmas tree. I remember being a little disappointed, because I had forgot about asking for a harp and thought it was a large pond yacht, and I remember dad complaining his armchair had been given to the neighbor to make room - I never did learn to play it - it's still at my parents house. My dad was not very sophisticated and wanted me to be the same and he never let me forget about the harp. Whenever, I would have a house, car or boat repossessed by the loan company, my dad would say, _'You couldn't just want a harmonica like most kids'_ That's probably why they call it _'harping on'_ ...
He’s my hero , I always wanted to learn to play after I saw him on I love lucy (take me out to the ball game) what a genius!!!!
Harpo always was very serious about his harp playing.
It made me very happy...and cry...I have an angel son, Nicholas ,in heaven
I've read this is a Harpo composition called 'Guardian Angels', but some people here says is a song known as "When The Moon Shines on the Moonshine", and that song sounds a little similar. So... I don´t know, but this is awesome.
Harpo is the BEST of the Marx Brothers,PERIOD can play all instruments,do all his sketches on his own,with out talking,just pantomime,HE'S THE GOAT
Probably my favorite. Probably.
This is an original composition of Harpo's called Gaurdian Angels
He is great!
The man was a treasure.
I love watching his face while he plays. It's the only time his face looks natural.
Ha! I wonder where he got his 'name' from!? But seriously, this is wonderful! I just wish i could tell Harpo just how amazing he was/is. What an incredible talent! Just lovely... \m/ (:o)
klistarf Apparently he was a lovely man in real life with a loving/loved family. A really special man
The name ‘Harpo’ derives from the word Harp which is the instrument he plays
What a talented man.
Knowing him, it's probably an original improvisation.
My favorite marx brother
"Guardian Angels", composed by Harpo Marx. Lyrics by Gerda Beilensen.
When Harpo played his harp.....
genius
Saint!
He was wonderful and gifted
A genius.
brilliant.
I want to hear that through todays distortion sound labs
Remarkable!
Amazing, He' has to be the best player around! He's like The Eddie Van halen of the Harp!
In my opinion because, he didn't use traditional tunings it made him a better harp player. Also he mixed in a lot of chords with the melodies.
Great
I think the song is "When The Moon Shines on the Moonshine"; can anyone confirm this? If so, it's certainly a bizarre choice of song to be given the "classical" treatment. (Well, that's how good a harpist Harpo was!)
+Rich in 212 I think you're right, and thanks a lot for the clue! I would have never found it :D
+Voodoo Cat Here's a link the album on which I first (and so far, only) have heard that song: www.allmusic.com/album/music-of-prohibition-mw0000594700
It's the soundtrack to an A&E documentary about Prohibition. Take a listen to it and tell me if you think I've nailed it.
+Rich in 212: "When the Moon Shines on the Moonshine," a song associated with the "Follies" legend Bert Williams in the 1910's, is an entirely different melody than this one.
No, the song is "Guardian Angels", the music of which Harpo wrote himself. ruclips.net/video/WgeAO3oQ28E/видео.html
The Marx Brothers were REAL TALENT.
I know nothing about harp playing, but I've read where Harpo plays it on the "wrong" shoulder
I have enough trouble playing 6 strings😂
I have trouble playing four strings 😭
The Marx Brothers were all very talented. But, Harpo is the only one who goes into the magical, musical zone where he is no longer aware of anything but the music.
God…he was great!
never saw this 1 b4
Read Harpo Speaks. You will laugh from page one to the last. All time favorite book. Pinchie Winchie!
"Guardian Angels" which He'd written Himself,with Words by a Woman called Gerta.
I miss movies like the Marx brothers they were full of fun and so not PC we need more of this humour today instead of all the crap we get on TV an Movies Jackie Chan is the closest thing we have now to that comedy
Harpo's Harp
wow ^^
"Guardian Angels"
Wow
Famtastic
Un. Muestro arpa. Muy difícil 😂❤
not play the full stilling of the harp,,??
Actually, the Marx Brothers started as musicians. Only later they found that they had more success as comedians.
glpxt Right. There was a commotion outside one of their performances and Julius (Groucho) made a bunch of snappy remarks about it that everyone thought was funny, and it just grew from there.
Self taught...
What's the name of the song he is playing ???
harpists must have massive callouses, eh?
Allways playing Serius i think. :D
What 7 people didn't like this?