18 Questions
What is the primary method of sound production in a harpsichord?
Plucking a string
Which musical era is heavily associated with the use of the harpsichord?
Baroque Era
In what way does the sound quality of a harpsichord differ from that of a piano?
Quieter and gentle
How does the functioning of a harpsichord differ from that of a piano?
Activates the strings with a keyboard mechanism
Which family of instruments does the functioning of the harpsichord resemble more closely?
String instruments
What is the primary difference between the harpsichord and the piano?
The method of producing sound
What is the primary difference between the sound-producing mechanism of a harpsichord and a piano?
Harpsichord keys operate plectrums that pluck strings, while piano keys operate hammers that strike strings.
What type of tone quality does a harpsichord produce?
Harmonic sounds with overtones above a fundamental pitch.
What is one of the performance capabilities of a piano that is lacking in a harpsichord?
Ability to produce sustained sounds using pedals.
What is the orientation of the black and white keys on a harpsichord?
Half-step keys normally black on a piano are white on a harpsichord.
During which era did the harpsichord have its most prolific time for music composition?
Baroque Era
Which composer is known for being one of the most prolific composers of harpsichord music during the Baroque Era?
J.S. Bach
What was one of the most famous solo works for harpsichord composed by Domenico Scarlatti?
Sonatas K2, K213, K208
What is one of the main reasons why pianos eventually replaced harpsichords as the dominant keyboard instrument?
Pianos were able to perform loud and quiet sounds, unlike harpsichords.
'Agogik' technique is used by harpsichord performers for what purpose?
'Agogik' means adding variety to performances by playing fast and slow with subtle changes in rhythmic expression.
What was the historical evidence of the existence of the harpsichord?
Evidence shows existence as early as 1400.
Which region was not central to harpsichord production and performance?
Russia
What instrument inspired Italian instrument makers to further develop it into the harpsichord?
Psaltery
Learn about the harpsichord, an instrument in the keyboard family that produces sound with plucked strings. Discover how it differs from the piano in appearance and sound.
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