Tracing the roots of the piano to the very beginning of consciousness, when man first became aware of sound.
1521, Harpsichord By Jerome
Made in Rome by Jerome of Bologna, remains one of the oldest Harpsichords that established the typical light construction, elegant ornamentation, and elongated, incurved frame.
The Harpsichord remained relevant through the 18th century for solo, chamber, orchestral, and opera, falling out of use by c.1810. The name now serves as a general designation for the entire family of plucked keyboard instruments.
The instrument has witnessed many reincarnations, as it authentically expresses the original repertoire of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with revivals reaching into the modern day. Of particular interest is the work of Wanda Landowska, who in 1933 became the first person to record Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Page Sources
- Clutton, Cecil. "Keyboard Instrument." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 5 Dec. 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- Rimbault, Edward Francis. The Pianoforte, Its Origin, Process, and Construction: With Some Account of the Same Class which Preceded It; Viz. the Clavichord, the Virginal, the Spinet, the Harpsichord, etc.; to which is Added a Selection of Interesting Specimens of Music Composed for Keyed-stringed Instruments. London: R. Crocks and Company, 1860. Google Books. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- Apel, Willi. Harvard Dictionary of Music. 2nd Edition. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1969. Google Books. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
