How do I play the harpsichord?

Welcome to this comprehensive harpsichord playing blog! Playing this beautiful instrument requires not only good technique and knowledge of the music, but also a deep understanding of the history and anatomy of the harpsichord. In this blog, we'll cover all the essential aspects needed to become a skilled harpsichord player. We'll start with an introduction to the anatomy of a harpsichord and the basic layout of the keys, before moving on to reading harpsichord music and the correct position of the body while playing. We will also discuss the different types of attacks, the use of fingers and hands, articulation and phrasing, dynamics and expression. In addition, we'll show you how to set up an effective practice routine and how to deal with challenges when playing the harpsichord. Finally, we'll show you how to listen to harpsichord music and provide you with helpful tips to help you improve your skills. Let's get started!

I. Basic principles of playing a harpsichord

A. Anatomy of a harpsichord
B. Basic layout of the tests
C. Reading harpsichord music
D. Body position while playing

A. Anatomy of a harpsichord

A harpsichord is a stringed instrument that consists of a rectangular cabinet with a keyboard mounted. The keyboard consists of keys, each connected to one or more strings under the cabinet. When a button is pressed, a pin is pressed up that vibrates the string and thus produces sound. The keyboard of a harpsichord is usually divided into two parts: the upper part, called the discant, and the lower part, called the bass. The discant generally has more keys than the bass and produces higher notes.

The strings of a harpsichord are not struck with hammers, like a piano, but with picks. The picks are small hooks that are attached to a stick and raised by pressing a button. The strings are therefore struck from the side, resulting in a clear and sparkling sound. In addition to the keyboard and strings, a harpsichord often also has a number of registers that can be used to adjust the sound of the instrument. Registers are small handles that connect to the strings and change the length of the vibrating string. This allows the sound to be changed from clear and sharp to soft and muted.

B. Basic layout of the tests

The keys of a harpsichord are arranged differently than those of a piano. Where in a piano, each key corresponds to a specific note, the keys of a harpsichord are divided into groups, each producing different notes, depending on which register is activated.
The basic layout of the keys on a harpsichord is as follows:

1. Manuals: a harpsichord usually has two manuals, also known as keyboards. The top keyboard produces a quieter sound than the bottom keyboard. The lower keyboard usually has a range of C to F, while the upper keyboard usually ranges from C to C or F to F.
2. Registers: each keyboard has different registers that can be activated to change the sound of the keys. For example, the lute register gives the keys a clear, string-like sound, while the sound register gives the sound a nasal quality.
3. Link: the manuals can be linked so that the keys of both keyboards produce the same notes. This is used to play chords and fast note sequences.