MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: KEYBOARDS: HARPSICHORD

History
The harpsichord took nearly 200 years worth of experiments. Finally, in the 1500’s, a successful example of the harpsichord was created in Italy. The harpsichord would go on to be manufactured throughout Europe.

The harpsichord had a clear and bright sound which made it a favorite among composers during the 17th and 18th centuries. Aside from being an important member of chamber ensembles, the harpsichord was an important member of the orchestra. In orchestras, the harpsichord player would direct the performance from his seat at the harpsichord.

Today, some interest has revived in the harpsichord, and it is once again performing the music written for it.

Description
Harpsichords are considered the most important and largest plucked-string keyboard instruments. Tiny quills (feathers) pluck the strings when the keys are depressed. It is because of this that harpsichords have a very crisp, bright sound.

In order to “pluck” the strings, a series of events happen when the musician strikes a key. When the key is first depressed, it raises the other end of the lever which has a “jack” holding a quill. As the jack rises, the quill passes the string and plucks it. Then, as the jack goes back down, the quill pivots to prevent it from plucking the string twice.

Harpsichordists were members of orchestras and chamber groups. In orchestras they often directed as they played. In chamber groups, they would play harmonies, sometimes improvising, to accompany the soloist.

Harpsichord Variations
Clavichord: The clavichord is one of the oldest keyboard instruments and can be dated back, at least to the 15th century. Clavichords don’t work by plucking the string like a harpsichord, or by using a hammer like a piano. Instead, they have a blade which is directly connected to the keys. When the key is pressed, the blade strikes the sting and remains there until the key is no longer pressed. Because the blade is directly connect to the key, a musician can even make a vibrato. Unfortunately, the clavichord is a quiet instrument and most of its success was as a solo instrument.

Clavinet: This is an electrical version of the clavichord. It functions much like a clavichord except that pickups (like those found on electric guitars) run underneath the strings to amplify and/or alter the sound. The clavinet has a very “percussion” sound which has made it’s funky tone popular.

Spinet: This 18th century instrument is a small harpsichord. It was successful because of its more affordable pricing and more compact design, as opposed to the harpsichord.

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