Harpsichord
Tuning: C
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The Duet (1749) Anthony Davis, Victoria and Albert museum, London
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The Harpsichord (cembalo)
A keyboard instrument that was important for 300 years, until its replacement by the piano. Unlike the piano, in which every key on the keyboard is attached to a hammer beating the strings, the harpsichord was a plucking: each key was attached to a mechanism with a plectrum, that would pluck the string. Due to this use of the plucking technique, the instrument was characterized by a rather limited dynamic range, meaning it lacked the capacity to produce strong and weak sounds.
The harpsichord was invented at the end of the 14th century. In 200 years, it became a highly popular instrument among composers, among whom Rameau, who also wrote special works for teaching the instrument. It was also integrated in the Opera orchestra, and until the time of Mozart, it was a central member in it. Bach wrote many pieces for the harpsichord, among which "The Well Tempered Clavier", and the "Goldberg Variations". Handel wrote many suites for the harpsichord, and Domenico Scarlatti's (son of Italian composer Alessandro) name was linked to the harpsichord, thanks to the diverse sonatas he wrote for this instrument.


Gigue from French suite No.5 - Bach (Played by Prof. Zuzana Ruzickova)


Composers


Rameau


Mozart


Bach


Handel


Painting

The Duet (1749) Anthony Davis, Victoria and Albert museum, London

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