A History of the Harpsichord
Edition: Har/Com edition
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: May 2003
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 592
ISBN-13: 9780253341662
Subjects: History of specific subjects; Keyboard instruments; Musical Instruments; Music/Songbooks; Music; History & Criticism - General; Musical Instruments - Piano; Harpsichord; History
First sentence: WRITING CA. 1460, the cleric, astronomer, physician, and encyclopedist Paulus Paulirinus note, "The harpsichord is an instrument of wonderful sweetness for making music....
Description: A History of the Harpsichord brings together for the first time more than 200 photographs, illustrations, and drawings of harpsichords in public museums and private collections throughout Europe the United States. Edward L. Kottick draws on his extensive technical knowledge and experience as a harpsichord builder to detail the changing design, structure, and acoustics of the instrument over six centuries. Based on painstaking research, the book considers the place of the instrument in society and vividly describes the market forces that brought about changes in its form, decoration, and cultural importance. An accompanying CD includes performances on several of the historical instruments described and illustrated in the volume, including a 1580 spinett virginal by Martin van der Biest and instruments built by Ruckers and Pleyel. The volume devotes attention to American harpsichord design as well as to present and future uses of the instrument [Publisher description]