Harpsichords and Clavichords

by Cynthia A. Hoover

Italian Harpsichords

Typical Italian harpsichords had two choirs of unison strings and two jacks for each key. They were of much lighter construction than those made in northern Europe—the sides of the case were only about an eighth of an inch thick. These fragile instruments were usually placed in heavier, often elaborately decorated, outer cases from which the harpsichord could be removed.

Harpsichord, 1693; maker unknown, Italy One manual; Range GG-c³ (no GG^♯); 2×8′

The typical construction of Italian harpsichords can be seen in this large Italian instrument. The original nameboard is missing; however, as was common practice, the maker marked the date on the tail of the lowest and highest keys.

The Italian harpsichord serves as an ideal basso continuo keyboard instrument because it blends well in instrumental combinations. Its clean, crisp sound also allows individual lines to emerge clearly from a polyphonic musical texture.

11. Italian harpsichord (1693): Full view of instrument in outer case.