Vlog on the Harpsichord

Introduction

• Host expresses excitement about reaching more people.
• Focus on the harpsichord, with a brief mention of the organ for future discussion.

History of the Harpsichord

• Earliest Harpsichord:
  • First image: 1425, Dom Church, Minden, Germany (Bode Museum, Berlin).
  • Oldest existing harpsichord: 1511, Italian origin.
  • Earliest mention: Henri Arnault de Zwolle's Traité (c. 1440, National Library, Paris).

Mechanics of the Harpsichord

• Host demonstrates a harpsichord with 2 keyboards by Willem Kroesbergen.
• Functionality:
  • Pressing a key plucks the string with a pin.
  • Different registers (4-foot, 8-foot) can be combined.
  • Demonstrations of sound from upper and lower keyboards.

Types of Harpsichords

• Italian Harpsichords:
  • Shorter, typically with two registers (two 8-foot).
  • Evolved over the 17th century, longer instruments became common.
• Flemish Instruments:
  • Examples include virginals and the 'Muzelaar'.
  • Unique sound characteristics and decoration.
• Historical Variations:
  • Over 200 types of Italian harpsichords documented.
  • Examples of rich vs. plain decorations in historical instruments.

Books on Harpsichords

• Recommended Literature:
  • Frank Hubbard, Three Centuries of Harpsichord Making (1965)
  • Boalch, Makers of the Harpsichord and Clavichord 1440-1841 (3rd ed. 1995).
  • Russell, The Harpsichord and Clavichord (1959).

Tuning and Sound Quality

• Tuning Techniques:
  • Differences between perfect thirds and perfect quints.
  • Concept of the 'wolf' in tuning.
• Transition to Werckmeister tuning at the end of the 17th century.

Innovations in Harpsichord Design

• Transposing Double Harpsichord:
  • Invented by Couchet, noted for its dual keyboards.
  • Differences in sound production between various designs.
• Mother-and-Child Virginal:
  • Unique design with a small keyboard hidden inside.
  • Historically used as toys, but playable.

Development and Decline

• French Harpsichords:
  • Many preserved, with beautiful decorations.
  • Limited 17th-century original French instruments.
• Harpsichord Production:
  • Factories and specialization in England during the 18th century.
  • Transition to piano dominance in the early 19th century.

Conclusion: Harpsichord vs. Piano

• The piano's larger sound and dynamic range led to its popularity.
• Harpsichord still has unique qualities; requires creativity in performance.
• Host invites harpsichordists to embrace and showcase their instrument against the rising trend of piano performances.