Meaning: The quote by Joanna Newsom, a prominent musician known for her unique style and incorporation of the harp in her music, reveals her personal preference for using a Celtic harp over a smaller harp. In addition, she mentions her inability to perform key changes on the smaller harp, highlighting the importance of the specific instrument in shaping her musical expression. This quote sheds light on the significance of the harp as a central element in Newsom's musical identity and creative process.

Joanna Newsom is a multi-talented artist, recognized for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and intricate harp compositions. Her music often defies traditional categorization, blending elements of folk, indie, and avant-garde genres. The harp serves as a defining feature of her sound, adding a rich and ethereal quality to her songs. Newsom's skillful manipulation of the instrument has garnered widespread acclaim and has contributed to her unique artistic persona.

The mention of the "smaller harp" in the quote likely refers to instruments such as the lever harp or the folk harp, which have a different design and range compared to the larger and more complex Celtic harp. The Celtic harp, also known as the lever harp or folk harp, is distinguished by its use of levers to change the pitch of the strings, allowing for greater versatility in playing different musical keys. In contrast, smaller harps may have limited or fixed pitch capabilities, which can restrict the musician's ability to perform certain musical arrangements.

Newsom's statement about being unable to "do the key changes" on the smaller harp underscores the technical limitations she faces when using a different type of harp. Key changes are fundamental in music, allowing for variations in tonality and mood within a composition. With the Celtic harp's capacity for key changes, Newsom is able to explore a broader range of musical possibilities, enhancing the depth and complexity of her performances.

The significance of the harp in Newsom's music extends beyond its technical capabilities. Its reverberating tones and evocative resonance contribute to the emotive and atmospheric qualities of her compositions. The harp's association with ancient and mythic imagery also aligns with the lyrical themes often present in Newsom's music, creating a sense of timelessness and otherworldliness in her sonic landscapes.

In a broader context, Joanna Newsom's quote speaks to the intimate relationship between musicians and their instruments. Just as a painter carefully selects their brushes and a writer their pens, Newsom's choice of the Celtic harp reflects her deep connection to the instrument and its role in shaping her artistic expression. The quote serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between musicians and their tools, highlighting the profound impact that specific instruments can have on the creative process and the resulting musical output.

In conclusion, Joanna Newsom's quote encapsulates the pivotal role of the Celtic harp in her musical journey and the unique sonic possibilities it affords her. Beyond its technical functions, the harp serves as a conduit for her artistic vision, enriching her compositions with its evocative timbres and symbolic resonance. Newsom's unwavering dedication to her chosen instrument underscores the profound influence of the harp on her identity as a musician, and her quote serves as a testament to the profound bond between artist and instrument.