Harpsichord

A richly decorated harpsichord, reflecting the instrument’s historical role as both a musical and visual centerpiece of early European music.

The harpsichord has been heard for more than six centuries and stands as one of the most characteristic keyboard instruments in the history of Western music. Although it belongs to the keyboard family, its sound is produced not by hammers—as in the piano—but by plucking the strings. This mechanism gives the harpsichord its bright, distinctive tone, which is immediately recognizable.

From the moment of its appearance, the harpsichord was warmly received, and its use spread rapidly throughout Europe. By the beginning of the 16th century, it had become immensely popular, and composers employed it in almost every instrumental combination. Its primary role was that of accompaniment, providing harmonic support—particularly in continuo playing—rather than functioning as a solo instrument.

The body of the harpsichord typically resembles the shape of a wing. For each note, there may be two or more strings, and the performer can select different sets of strings (called registers) to vary the instrument’s volume and timbre. Although the harpsichord cannot produce gradual dynamic changes through touch alone, later instruments introduced mechanical devices—such as shutters or grilles in the case—to subtly reinforce or soften the sound.

Many harpsichords are equipped with two, and sometimes three keyboards (manuals). Each manual controls a different set of strings, offering contrasting tonal colors rather than true dynamic contrast.

By the end of the 18th century, the harpsichord gradually fell out of favor as the piano evolved and gained dominance, largely because of its ability to produce expressive dynamic variation. For nearly a century, the harpsichord remained largely forgotten. In the 20th century, however, it experienced a significant revival, closely linked to the movement toward historically informed performance.

---

How the Harpsichord Works

The action of the harpsichord is entirely mechanical. When a key is pressed, its opposite end raises a vertical wooden strip known as a jack. Attached to the jack is a small plectrum, which plucks the string as the jack rises.

An escapement mechanism allows the jack to fall back into place without re-plucking the string. At the same time, a small felt-covered damper rests against the string, stopping its vibration and silencing the note when the key is released.

Historically, the plectrum was made of quill or leather. In modern instruments, it is usually made of plastic, offering greater durability and consistency.