Harpsichords

Definition

Harpsichords are stringed keyboard instruments popular in the Baroque period, known for their distinct plucked sound created by quills that pluck the strings when keys are pressed. They played a crucial role in the development of early music and were often used in both solo and ensemble settings, influencing the evolution of keyboard performance techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harpsichords were widely used in the 16th to 18th centuries, particularly in France, Italy, and England, before being overshadowed by the piano.
2. The instrument's unique sound and construction made it essential in ensembles, chamber music, and operatic performances during the Baroque period.
3. Harpsichords are built with one or more manuals (keyboards) and often have multiple sets of strings that can be engaged to create different tonal colors.
4. The revival of interest in harpsichords in the 20th century coincided with a broader Baroque revival, influencing performance practices and historical musicology.
5. Many famous composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti wrote extensively for the harpsichord, contributing to its repertoire and popularity.

Review Questions

• How did harpsichords influence Baroque music and performance practices?
  • Harpsichords significantly influenced Baroque music by providing a distinct sound that complemented both vocal and instrumental works. Their use in ensembles allowed for a clearer articulation of counterpoint and harmony, making them essential for composers like Bach. Additionally, their construction with multiple manuals and stops encouraged performers to explore a variety of dynamics and textures, shaping keyboard performance techniques during this period.
• Discuss the role of harpsichords in the context of the Baroque revival in the 20th century.
  • In the 20th century, the Baroque revival sparked renewed interest in historical performance practices, leading to a resurgence of the harpsichord. Musicians began to appreciate its unique sound and sought to recreate authentic performances of Baroque repertoire. This revival also resulted in modern constructions of harpsichords that aimed to replicate historical models, allowing contemporary musicians to explore earlier music with greater accuracy.
• Evaluate the significance of harpsichords in shaping the evolution of keyboard instruments from the Baroque era to modern times.
  • The significance of harpsichords lies in their foundational role in the development of keyboard instruments. Their distinctive plucking mechanism set the stage for later innovations leading to instruments like the fortepiano and modern piano. As keyboard technology evolved, the principles established by harpsichords influenced composers' approaches to writing for keyboard, ultimately impacting musical styles and performance practices well into the classical and romantic periods.

Related terms

Clavichord: A smaller, quieter keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with tangents, known for its expressive dynamics.

Fortepiano: An early version of the piano that emerged later than the harpsichord, capable of producing dynamics through hammers striking the strings.

Basso Continuo: A musical practice where a continuous bass line is accompanied by chords, often realized on the harpsichord or organ in Baroque music.