Harpsichord

A keyboard instrument in which pressing a key causes a plectrum to pluck a string. Its action produces little change in loudness with key pressure, unlike a piano.

Jack (harpsichord): A narrow upright mechanism that carries a plectrum and rises when a harpsichord key is pressed. The jack lifts the plectrum through the string to set it vibrating.
Clavicytherium: An early harpsichord with strings and soundboard arranged vertically. It shows that early makers experimented with harpsichord layouts beyond the familiar horizontal case.
Baroque music: European art music composed roughly from 1600 to 1750, marked by evolving tonal forms and elaborate counterpoint. The harpsichord was a central keyboard instrument during this period.
Piano: A keyboard instrument whose hammers strike strings, allowing loudness to vary with key pressure. Its touch-sensitive dynamics sharply distinguish it from the harpsichord.
Plectrum: A small pick used to pluck a string, made for harpsichords from quill or other materials. Its release from the string gives the harpsichord its characteristic attack.
Italian harpsichord: A harpsichord tradition known for a light case and a bright, clear sound. Italian instruments established one influential model in the instrument’s early history.
Basso continuo: A Baroque accompaniment practice in which a bass line and figures guide improvised chords. Harpsichords commonly supplied the chordal realization in continuo ensembles.
Clavichord: A quiet keyboard instrument in which metal tangents strike strings and permit limited dynamic and vibrato control. Unlike the harpsichord, it responds to changes in finger pressure after the key is depressed.
Harpsichord register: A set of harpsichord strings and jacks that produces a particular pitch level or timbre. Coupling or selecting registers changes the sound without relying on touch-sensitive dynamics.
Flemish harpsichord: A northern European harpsichord tradition associated especially with Antwerp makers. Flemish instruments shaped the larger, more robust harpsichord designs used across Europe.

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