Harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano

Tried all three tonight. About a dozen different harpsichords, both single and double keyboard; one fortepiano, probably from the early 1800s; and a beautiful little clavichord. The harpsichords felt instantly natural, every last one of them. I had absolutely no problem playing all the Bach I could recall from memory on them; the touch was very light, like an ivory piano key that's been disconnected. Ornaments never felt easier or more satisfying. Same goes for the fortepiano, on which I tried out parts of the Beethoven Opp. 10/1, 31/2,3 and 109, and Mozart's K. 330. The damper pedal was operated with the knee, right under the keys. I felt like I could have played anything on that piano; just wonderful. What a heavenly touch. Then the clavichord...the world's quietest instrument, I understand? I wondered if it was broken first time I pressed a key. The lady in charge informed me that it could not be played like a piano, hammer hammer hammer, because every last wiggle is picked up and registers a sound. Once the key has been pressed, rubbing it with a finger sustains the sound and produces a vibrato. Very interesting. I won't be rushing to write a clavichord concerto anytime soon, but I would like to try Rejcha's Op. 61 Fantasy (which has repeated notes meant for a clavichord, according to the Henle edition) next time I'm faced with one.

Jeff, now you know what is so cool about playing the harpsichord. Unlike the piano, it is not about muscle, but finger dexterity. Bach and also Mozart make complete sense on a harpsichord. Ornaments come naturally. If you have the opportunity to sit down at a large French Double harpsichord, bring some Bach books. These instruments typically are around 9' long. The bass booms. Play Couperin and you get the 'golden glow' from the bass strings. Try Barricades Mysterieuses on one of these babies, you'll love it. Once you get the feeling for the keyboard and don't try to hit it too hard, you will be amazed at how fast you can play. Ditto for the fortepiano. Was this at Laurette Goldberg's place?

I did. It was in the room with the fortepiano. At least, I think that's what it was. And it was just as amazing as you say.

That's right. I also picked up a catalog, and I'll be ordering her 'Open Score' edition of the WTK fugues with each voice on a separate staff.

Greetings, Just wondering, in what temperaments are these instruments tuned? Hopefully, not in modern equal ???? Regards, Ed Foote RPT http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html Well-tempered CD's at Gasparo.com. GSCD #332, 'Beethoven In the Temperaments' GSCD #344 . 'Six Degrees of Tonality' Caution, these CD's contain pure intervals and extensive liner notes!

Markie, Mark,

do you currently own a harpsichord ? I understood that you are using something electronic.

HI Radu. I own 2 harpsichords. One is a Zuckermann Italian Virginal and the other is a Roland C-80 Digital Harpsichord.

Pe curând!

<< One is a Zuckermann Italian Virginal >>

Yeah, that's what they all say.

How does a digital instrument emulates the touch and feel of a harpsichord ?

You get me worried... did you start to work for the old nazies romanian restaurant in NY ?

The Roland C-80 was developed with Roland's subsidiary, Rodgers Organ Company. The keyboard has the feel of a perfectly regulated harpsichord. There is a very slight 'click' feeling when depressing the keys. The machine even produces the 'let-off noise' harpsichords make when the keys are released and the jacks return to rest position. Having owned several large harpsichords in my life, I am very pleased with the performance and sound of the Roland. The best part is: I DON'T HAVE TO TUNE THE DAMNED THING TWICE A MONTH!!

One was. The others used various other temperaments, I don't have the finely honed ear of a piano tuner and couldn't tell the difference.

Jeff, it's easy to tell. Just play an F# Major chord. If you don't cringe, its ET.