Instrument of the month: harpsichord

April intersperses a lot of birds singing and some sounds of a harpsichord which has just been named the Instrument of the Month.

It is a plucked keyboard instrument from the zither family. Its origins date back to the 15^th century, although it is suspected that it was known earlier. From the beginning of the 16^th century, the harpsichord grew in popularity as a solo instrument, and at the end of the 18^th century it gave way to the piano. Renewed interest in the harpsichord started in the last century.

The varieties of harpsichord include:

• Gravicembelo,
• Unison,
• Clavicytherium,
• Spinet,
• Virignals.

If you are curious about how they were different, look for answers in the Pictures section.

To find sheet music for the harpsichord, see the Notes section. However, if you are interested in people we have on the list of harpsichordists, be sure to check the inline Encyclopaedia.