harpsikordit

Harpsikordit are keyboard instruments that produce sound by plucking strings. Unlike a piano, where hammers strike the strings, a harpsichord uses quills or plectra made of leather or plastic to pluck the strings when a key is pressed. This plucking action creates a bright, clear, and often brilliant tone, but it lacks the dynamic range of a piano, meaning the volume cannot be significantly altered by touch. The sound of a harpsichord is often described as shimmering or bell-like.

The harpsichord was a prominent instrument from the Renaissance through the Baroque period, playing a central role in chamber music, solo repertoire, and orchestral ensembles. Composers such as Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti wrote extensively for the instrument. Many harpsichords have multiple keyboards, called manuals, and various stops that can alter the sound, often by engaging different sets of strings or changing the position of the plectra. This allows for a variety of tonal colors and timbres.

Despite its decline in popularity with the rise of the piano in the late 18th century, the harpsichord experienced a significant revival in the 20th century. This resurgence was fueled by interest in historically informed performance practices, where musicians sought to recreate the sound and style of earlier musical periods. Today, harpsichords are appreciated for their unique historical character and are featured in performances of early music, as well as in some contemporary compositions.