Harpsichord baroque

The baroque harpsichord, a keyboard instrument with plucked strings, was essential in 17th and 18th-century music, especially during the Baroque period.

About this subject

The baroque harpsichord is a keyboard instrument in which strings are plucked by plectra, producing a bright, articulate timbre. Unlike the piano, where hammers strike the strings, the harpsichord generates sound at a constant volume, incapable of expressive dynamic variation. This characteristic profoundly influenced baroque musical writing, which relied on ornamentation and rhythmic articulation to convey expressiveness.

Originating in the late Middle Ages, the harpsichord reached its zenith in the 17th and 18th centuries, favored as a solo and continuo instrument by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, François Couperin, and Domenico Scarlatti. Bach composed works like The Well-Tempered Clavier and the French Suites for harpsichord, exploring the instrument's technical capabilities. In France, the school of harpsichordists developed a repertoire rich in ornaments called "agréments," which imitated vocal rhetoric.

Construction of the baroque harpsichord varied between Italian models, with lighter cases and more metallic sound, and Flemish models, such as those made by the Ruckers family, offering a full-bodied, rich harmonic timbre. The instrument often featured two manuals (keyboards) and registers that allowed combining different string choirs. The harpsichord was gradually replaced by the piano in the early 19th century but experienced a revival in the 20th century with the early music movement, now used in historically informed performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a harpsichord and a piano?

In the harpsichord, strings are plucked by plectra, producing a constant volume. In the piano, strings are struck by hammers, allowing dynamic variation (forte and piano).

Which baroque composers wrote for harpsichord?

Johann Sebastian Bach, François Couperin, Domenico Scarlatti, George Frideric Handel, and Jean-Philippe Rameau are among the major composers who wrote works for harpsichord.

Is the baroque harpsichord still used today?

Yes, the harpsichord is widely used in early music performances and historically informed recordings, and it is also studied in conservatories.