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Harpsichord instrument: meaning, definitions and examples

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harpsichord instrument

[ ˈhɑːpsɪkɔːrd ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with quills or plectra. It was widely used in the Baroque period and has a distinctive sound that is different from a piano. The harpsichord has a rich history and is often associated with classical music.

Synonyms

clavichord, fortepiano, spinett.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clavichord	Typically associated with intimate, private performances and practice due to its soft sound. Popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The musician used a clavichord for a personal recital at home Clavichords were often used for practice by composers in the 18th century
fortepiano	Used in performances of classical-era music, representing an early version of the modern piano with a dynamic range allowing for both soft and loud sounds. The fortepiano performance of Beethoven's sonata captured the nuances of the piece Concerts of Mozart's works often feature the fortepiano for historical authenticity
spinett	A smaller, more compact version of the harpsichord, used in homes and smaller venues during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, suitable for informal or intimate settings. She played a few tunes on the spinet at the family gathering Spinet harpsichords were convenient for small chamber performances

Word

Description / Examples

clavichord

Typically associated with intimate, private performances and practice due to its soft sound. Popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The musician used a clavichord for a personal recital at home
Clavichords were often used for practice by composers in the 18th century

fortepiano

Used in performances of classical-era music, representing an early version of the modern piano with a dynamic range allowing for both soft and loud sounds.

The fortepiano performance of Beethoven's sonata captured the nuances of the piece
Concerts of Mozart's works often feature the fortepiano for historical authenticity

spinett

A smaller, more compact version of the harpsichord, used in homes and smaller venues during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, suitable for informal or intimate settings.

She played a few tunes on the spinet at the family gathering
Spinet harpsichords were convenient for small chamber performances

Examples of usage

The harpsichord was a popular instrument during the 16th and 17th centuries.
She played a beautiful piece on the harpsichord during the concert.
Baroque composers like Bach and Handel wrote music specifically for the harpsichord.

Translations

Translations of the word "harpsichord instrument" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cravo

🇮🇳 हार्पसीकोर्ड

🇩🇪 Cembalo

🇮🇩 harpsichord

🇺🇦 клавесин

🇵🇱 klawesyn

🇯🇵 チェンバロ

🇫🇷 clavecin

🇪🇸 clavecín

🇹🇷 klavsen

🇰🇷 쳄발로

🇸🇦 هاربسكورد

🇨🇿 cembalo

🇸🇰 cembalo

🇨🇳 大键琴

🇸🇮 čembalo

🇮🇸 kembalo

🇰🇿 клавесин

🇬🇪 კლავესინი

🇦🇿 klavesin

🇲🇽 clavecín

Etymology

The harpsichord originated in the late Middle Ages and evolved over time into different variations. It reached its peak popularity during the Baroque period, where it was a staple instrument in both solo and ensemble music. The harpsichord fell out of favor with the rise of the piano in the Classical period but has experienced a revival in modern times due to its unique sound and historical significance.