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Guide To The Harpsichord: Amadeus, the Maestro's Instrument

Chance Foster

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Published in A Guide To The Harpsichord (Amadeus)

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What is a Harpsichord?

The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with quills or leather plectra. It is similar in appearance to a piano, but the strings are plucked rather than struck with hammers. The harpsichord was a popular instrument in the Baroque era, and it was often used in chamber music and as a continuo instrument in operas and oratorios.

The History of the Harpsichord

The harpsichord is believed to have evolved from the psaltery, a plucked string instrument that was popular in the Middle Ages. The first harpsichords were built in the early 15th century, and they quickly became popular among musicians and composers. The harpsichord reached its peak of popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, and it was used by many of the great composers of the Baroque era, including Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Domenico Scarlatti.

A Guide to the Harpsichord (Amadeus)

by Ann Bond

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3196 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages

The Construction of a Harpsichord

A harpsichord is made up of a wooden soundboard, a metal frame, and a set of strings. The soundboard is the thin, resonant surface that amplifies the sound of the strings. The metal frame supports the soundboard and the strings. The strings are made of metal or gut, and they are stretched over the soundboard and attached to tuning pins. The quills or leather plectra are attached to the keys, and when a key is pressed, the quill or plectrum plucks the string and produces a sound.

The Sound of a Harpsichord

The harpsichord has a bright, clear sound that is often described as "jangly." The sound is produced by the plucking of the strings, and the timbre of the sound depends on the type of quill or plectrum that is used. Harpsichords with quills have a brighter sound than harpsichords with leather plectra. The volume of the harpsichord is relatively low, and it is not suitable for use in large ensembles or in outdoor settings.

The Use of the Harpsichord

The harpsichord was a popular instrument in the Baroque era, and it was used in a wide variety of musical genres. It was often used as a continuo instrument in operas and oratorios, and it was also used in chamber music and as a solo instrument. The harpsichord fell out of favor in the late 18th century, but it was revived in the 20th century by musicians who were interested in historically informed performance. Today, the harpsichord is still used in some classical music performances, and it is also used in new music and jazz.

Famous Harpsichord Players

Some of the most famous harpsichord players include:

Johann Sebastian Bach
George Frideric Handel
Domenico Scarlatti
Wanda Landowska
Ralph Kirkpatrick
Kenneth Gilbert

The harpsichord is a beautiful and versatile instrument that has been used for centuries in a wide variety of musical genres. It has a bright, clear sound that is perfect for chamber music and continuo playing. If you are interested in learning more about the harpsichord, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find harpsichord teachers in most major cities.