Harpsichord Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Harpsichord Facts

Harpsichord Facts

The harpsichord is a musical string instrument, somewhat similar in appearance to a piano. Both instruments are played by means of a keyboard. However, when a key is pressed on a harpsichord keyboard, a corresponding string is plucked to create a sound.

Similar plucked keyboard instruments in this family include the archicembalo, clavicytherium, ottavina, spinet, and virginal.

Replaced in popularity by the piano at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the harpsichord has enjoyed a renewed interest in recent times. Its unique sound is appropriate for historical music as well as contemporary compositions.

More Harpsichord Facts

Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a harpsichordist.

Notable harpsichordists include Tori Amos, Francesco Baroni, Michele Benuzzi, Michael Borgstede, Elizabeth Farr, Ketil Haugsand, Kim Heindel, Anthony Newman, Trevor Pinnock, Jean Rondeau, Andreas Staier, and Peter Watchorn.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Etude Magazine Poster Print (1944)

The Etude Music Magazine (1944) Johann Sebastian Bach at the Clavichord 24x36 Poster PrintThe Etude Music Magazine (1944) Johann Sebastian Bach at the Clavichord 24×36 Poster PrintThe Etude Music Magazine (1944) Johann Sebastian Bach at the Clavichord 24x36 Poster Print

Johann Sebastian Bach

The harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was perhaps the most celebrated composer to write music specifically for the instrument. His solo works continue to be performed widely, though often on the piano. Bach was a pioneer of the harpsichord concerto, and featured the instrument in his Fifth Brandenburg Concerto.

Chaconne, The Novel

by Joseph C. Mastroianni

Chaconne: The NovelChaconne: The NovelChaconne: The NovelAuthor Joseph C. MastroianniAuthor Joseph C. MastroianniAuthor Joseph C. Mastroianni

Johann Sebastian Bach lost both of his parents at an early age, then outlived 10 of his 20 children. His beloved wife died while he was away on a brief assignment. Chaconne, the Novel takes you back to the early 1700s when the legendary composer created what many consider his most emotionally raw piece of music. The story alternates between Bach and Brooklyn-born Milo Damiani, whose earliest memory is of his estranged father playing Chaconne on the violin. Though the characters are separated by two and a half centuries, their stories are woven together as both men deal with tragedy, pain, love of family, and joy.

Listen to the Harpsichord

Performed by Jean Rondeau

French harpsichordist Jean Rondeau plays Johann Sebastian Bach’s Chaconne for his debut album Imagine. Born in 1991, Rondeau is an accomplished musician with impeccable credentials. An award-winning master of the harpsichord, he is also proficient as an organist, a choral conductor, and a pianist. Rondeau co-founded Note Forget, an ensemble that features his jazz-oriented compositions and piano improvisations.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite harpsichord player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Harpsichord collection.

Music Gifts Harpsichord

Build a Piece of Music History

The Art of Making a Harpsichord

by Darryl Martin

For nearly three centuries the harpsichord was a commonly played musical instrument, as well as a fashionable piece of furniture. This book gives readers an opportunity to learn some interesting harpsichord facts, and perhaps discover the challenging and rewarding pursuit of building an heirloom quality musical instrument.

Art of Making a HarpsichordArt of Making a HarpsichordArt of Making a Harpsichord

Harpsichord Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite harpsichord player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

Harpsichord Gifts

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that–at zero cost to you–we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

 Christophe Moyreau – Complete Harpsichord Music – Performed by Fernando De Luca – Audio CDChristophe Moyreau - Complete Harpsichord Music - Performed by Fernando De Luca - Audio CD Johann Sebastian Bach Musical Signature Notation T-Shirt – Impress Friends with Your Musical History IQJohann Sebastian Bach Musical Signature Notation T-Shirt - Impress Friends with Your Musical History IQ Johann Sebastian Bach Composer Musician Retro Style T-Shirt – Great Gift for Lovers of Music and HistoryJohann Sebastian Bach Composer Musician Retro Style T-Shirt - Great Gift for Lovers of Music and History J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations – Harpsichord Performed by Trevor Pinnock – Audio CDJohann Sebastian Bach: Goldberg Variations - Harpsichord Performed by Trevor Pinnock - Audio CD

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