Posts Tagged ‘harpsichord’

Harpsichord is still alive and played in concerts.

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

In the Romantic period piano became a popular tool for home improvisation. The growth in popularity has led to the emergence of a piano virtuoso pianists. Yet it must be noted that despite the drop in harpsichord’s popularity, it has not disappeared from the scene altogether. You can still hear its gentle sound in concerts. Composers continue to write music for this instrument, harpsichord produced in relatively large quantities.

Piano as a solo instrument in the classical period.

Thursday, May 21st, 2009
    The piano first declared itself in Europe prevailed Rococo era (1725-1775) - the period of transition from Baroque to Classicism. During the period of classicism piano became a popular tool for home use and live performance. 
    The emergence of a piano also caused a change in the repertoire of ensembles and orchestras. Concerto for piano and orchestra - a new genre that became very popular during the classical period. A long time, a harpsichord was the tool of accompaniment, rarely taking the role of solo instrument; piano, however with its dynamic capabilities was able to stand in a group of solo instruments such as violin and trumpet, and take center stage in concert halls of Europe.

Another keyboard instrument - harpsichord - Piano History (Part 3)

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

Another keyboard instrument - harpsichord - most likely was invented in Italy in the XV century.

Harpsichord

In this case, the string are picked with feathers or pieces of skin (like the picks). In addition, harpsichord’s keys and strings are parallel in position, like a modern grand piano, not perpendicular, as the clavichord and the modern piano. Sound of harpsichord - quite weak, do not seem to be suitable for performance of music in large halls. Harpsichord is typically used for accompaniment …

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