0
The harpsichord is a musical instrument whose strings are plucked from a keyboard and which sits on a table or stand while being played. They have been made in varying shapes, sizes and sounds over the years. They were called virginals in Elizabethan England, a term today reserved in English for harpsichords whose strings are parallel to the keyboard.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWhat was the harpsichord used for?
The harpsichord was (and is) used for making music, but historically, it has had other uses as well, as noted by the following examples:
1. In 1723, Hungarian cellist Lazlo Pook removed a harpsichord from its' stand and used the instrument as an improptu cheese press.
2. During severe flooding in Venice, Italy, in 1756, countless lives were saved by Venetian harpsichordists, who paddled their instruments through turbulent canals and pulled people (excluding cellists) from the rising waters.
3. In 1792, Swiss musician Hans Fischer became the first person in history to slide down the Matterhorn on a harpsichord, triggering however a tragic avalanche. This engulfed a gathering of cellists assembled in a park in front of the Frau Kirche, an ancient church in the formerly lovely alpine town of Dibbleheim.
4. During the War of 1812, French troops discovered to their Horror that freezing Muscovites had kept warm by burning their old harpsichords. When this was reported to the Emperor Napoleon, he made his now famous remark, "Etes diable vous parlant?"
5. When the ill-fated ship Titanic was sinking in 1912, an antique harpsichord, purchased in Europe by millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim, was thrown overboard by the ship's cellist, Roger Bricoux. In doing so, Bricoux unexpectedly saved the life of noted international bon vivant and fan dancer, Hettie (Va-voom) Mackelroy, who floated upon it safely until she was able to fan herself in the direction of a larger and more buoyant Steinway grand.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoBaroque.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What kind of music is the harpsichord famous for?
The harpsichord is originally famous for participating in FOLK music, a it has sharp, high pitched notes. FOLK music is quick and has a continuous speed so the notes need to be sharp and quick.
Who wrote music for the harpsichord?
The harpsichord was the central keyboard instrument for secular settings from 1400 to 1780, and all composers who were born and lived during that period would have written their keyboard music for the harpsichord. The last major composers who wrote music for the harpsichord were Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata was written for both harpsichord and fortepiano. The most important composers for the harpsichord were: the English Virginal Composers such as Byrd, Bull, Gibbons, Farnaby, etc.; Frescobaldi, Froberger, Sweelinck, Chambonieres, L. Couperin, D'Anglebert; and of course the greatest being Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, F. Couperin, and Rameau. Most of the music written for the harpsichord since the 18th century is neither as charming, profound, sensible, or fitting to the characteristics of the harpsichord's special qualities. Rather it is merely the overlay of the modern style of music (being Atonal in nature) superimposed on that timbre, which is one reason why most music written in our time for this particular instrument finds so few enthusiasts. By contrast, the earlier styles of music grew out of an understanding of the nature and advantages of the sound of the harpsichords of those times and as such were constructed around the sound peculiar to the harpsichord.
Which keyboard instrument has strings that are plucked instead of struck when the keys are pressed?
A harpsichord was the keyboard instrument before piano fortes, the modern piano. Unlike a piano, where hammars hit the strings, a harpsichord's strings were plucked by quills, or "jacks." Harpsichords were used by Bach and other composers of that time period.
What kinds of instruments are used in jazz music?
chicken nuggets and things you can blow on. with your mouth
What instruments are needed for the water music suite by Handel?
we got brass intruments and timpani an a harpsichord and strings. and a conductor.
What is a harpsichord used for?
Music.
What kind of music is the harpsichord famous for?
The harpsichord is originally famous for participating in FOLK music, a it has sharp, high pitched notes. FOLK music is quick and has a continuous speed so the notes need to be sharp and quick.
What has the author Nancy Metzger written?
Nancy Metzger has written: 'The performer's gou t' -- subject(s): History and criticism, Organ music, Music 'Companion Cassette to Harpsichord Technique' 'Harpsichord technique' -- subject(s): Harpsichord, Studies and exercises, Instruction and study, Methods, Interpretation (Phrasing, dynamics, etc.), Harpsichord music
What styles of music is used in Chinese music?
wierd kinds:)
What is the Main instrument in baroque music?
oboe violin harpsichord
What kind of music is played on the harpsichord?
Originally it was designed during the Baroque music period of time, to play Classical/Baroque. Today however it could be used to play any style of music.
Who wrote music for the harpsichord?
The harpsichord was the central keyboard instrument for secular settings from 1400 to 1780, and all composers who were born and lived during that period would have written their keyboard music for the harpsichord. The last major composers who wrote music for the harpsichord were Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata was written for both harpsichord and fortepiano. The most important composers for the harpsichord were: the English Virginal Composers such as Byrd, Bull, Gibbons, Farnaby, etc.; Frescobaldi, Froberger, Sweelinck, Chambonieres, L. Couperin, D'Anglebert; and of course the greatest being Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, F. Couperin, and Rameau. Most of the music written for the harpsichord since the 18th century is neither as charming, profound, sensible, or fitting to the characteristics of the harpsichord's special qualities. Rather it is merely the overlay of the modern style of music (being Atonal in nature) superimposed on that timbre, which is one reason why most music written in our time for this particular instrument finds so few enthusiasts. By contrast, the earlier styles of music grew out of an understanding of the nature and advantages of the sound of the harpsichords of those times and as such were constructed around the sound peculiar to the harpsichord.
What kind or kinds of music is the harp used for?
jazz
What are the kinds of the music of the mindoro?
what kinds of music in mindoro
When were harpsichord used?
Harpsichords were very popular in the 16th century, but once the piano was later invented, the harpsichord was somewhat replaced. Harpsichords are still used today.
What is the harpsichord music in time of their lives?
Boccherini's Minuet in E Major Opus 11, No.5
What has the author Richard Troeger written?
Richard Troeger has written: 'Technique and interpretation on the harpsichord and clavichord' -- subject(s): Clavichord, Harpsichord, Instruction and study, Interpretation (Phrasing, dynamics, etc.), Music
