What does harpsichord mean?

Definitions for harpsichord
ˈhɑrp sɪˌkɔrdharp·si·chord

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word harpsichord.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. harpsichord, cembalonoun

    a clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots

Wiktionary

  1. harpsichordnoun

    An instrument with a piano-like keyboard, which produces sound by plucking the strings

  2. Etymology: harpicordium, from harpa + corda.

Wikipedia

  1. Harpsichord

    A harpsichord (Italian: clavicembalo; French: clavecin; German: Cembalo; Spanish: clavecín; Portuguese: cravo; Dutch: klavecimbel; Polish: klawesyn) is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. This activates a row of levers that turn a trigger mechanism that plucks one or more strings with a small plectrum made from quill or plastic. The strings are under tension on a soundboard, which is mounted in a wooden case; the soundboard amplifies the vibrations from the strings so that the listeners can hear it. Like a pipe organ, a harpsichord may have more than one keyboard manual, and even a pedal board. Harpsichords may also have stop buttons which add or remove additional octaves. Some harpsichords may have a buff stop, which brings a strip of buff leather or other material in contact with the strings, muting their sound to simulate the sound of a plucked lute.The term denotes the whole family of similar plucked-keyboard instruments, including the smaller virginals, muselar, and spinet. The harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music, both as an accompaniment instrument and as a soloing instrument. During the Baroque era, the harpsichord was a standard part of the continuo group. The basso continuo part acted as the foundation for many musical pieces in this era. During the late 18th century, with the development of the fortepiano (and then the increasing use of the piano in the 19th century) the harpsichord gradually disappeared from the musical scene (except in opera, where it continued to be used to accompany recitative). In the 20th century, it made a resurgence, being used in historically informed performances of older music, in new compositions, and, in rare cases, in certain styles of popular music (e.g., Baroque pop).

ChatGPT

  1. harpsichord

    A harpsichord is a musical instrument, originating from the late Middle Ages, often associated with early classical music and the Baroque period. It is played using a keyboard, and produces sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed, which differentiates it from the piano that strikes the string. The tone of a harpsichord is less able to be varied by touch than that of a piano.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Harpsichordnoun

    a harp-shaped instrument of music set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. It is now superseded by the piano

  2. Etymology: [OF. harpechorde, in which the harpe is of German origin. See Harp, and Chord.]

Wikidata

  1. harpsichord

    A harpsichord is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It produces sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed. "Harpsichord" designates the whole family of similar plucked keyboard instruments, including the smaller virginals, muselar, and spinet. The harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music. During the late 18th century it gradually disappeared from the musical scene with the rise of the fortepiano. But in the 20th century it made a resurgence, used in historically informed performance of older music, in new compositions, and in popular culture.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Harpsichord

    härp′si-kord, n. an old-fashioned keyed musical instrument, where the sound is produced by the twitching of the strings by a piece of crow-quill or hard leather. [O. Fr. harpechorde.]

Etymology and Origins

  1. Harpsichord

    An old form of pianoforte, so called because it was a harp encased longitudinally, and its chords were produced by the player on a key or finger board.

How to pronounce harpsichord?

How to say harpsichord in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of harpsichord in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of harpsichord in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Popularity rank by frequency of use

harpsichord#10000#41690#100000

Translations for harpsichord

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"harpsichord." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/harpsichord>.

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