harpsichord

[ hahrp-si-kawrd ]

noun

1. a keyboard instrument, precursor of the piano, in which the strings are plucked by leather or quill points connected with the keys, in common use from the 16th to the 18th century, and revived in the 20th.

harpsichord

/ ˈhɑːpsɪˌkɔːd /

noun

1. a horizontally strung stringed keyboard instrument, triangular in shape, consisting usually of two manuals controlling various sets of strings plucked by pivoted plectrums mounted on jacks. Some harpsichords have a pedal keyboard and stops by which the tone colour may be varied

harpsichord

1. A stringed keyboard instrument much used in the baroque era in music. The keys of a harpsichord move small devices that pluck the strings; the strings are not struck with hammers, as in a piano . Thus, although harpsichords often look much like pianos, their characteristic tinkly sound is unlike that of the piano, and a harpsichordist cannot change the volume of the sound by striking the keys harder, as a pianist can.

Derived Forms

• ˈharpsiˌchordist, noun

Other Words From

• harpsi·chordist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of harpsichord¹

First recorded in 1605–15, harpsichord is from the New Latin word harpichordium (with intrusive -s- of obscure origin). See harp, -i-, chord ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of harpsichord¹

C17: from New Latin harpichordium, from Late Latin harpa harp + Latin chorda chord ¹

Example Sentences

Its wildly combustible songs were the perfect material for Jules Buckley’s orchestra, who ramped up the album's gothic overtones with harpsichords, lutes and long crescendos of percussion.

From BBC

His probing interpretations bring a fresh perspective to the vast early music harpsichord repertoire.

From Seattle Times

The annual “Evolution” concert launched two years ago with a performance tracing the history of keyboards through harpsichord, piano and synthesizer.

From Seattle Times

Hodges attended elementary school at Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford, where he took lessons on the viola, the oboe, the harpsichord and the organ, in addition to the piano.

From New York Times

For an exciting set piece where Thing follows the seemingly not-murdered boy into a train station, Elfman chased the action with dancing strings, pulsing voices, timpani and a high-speed harpsichord solo.

From Los Angeles Times