Cynthia A. Hoover

“ The harpsichord and the clavichord represent the two most important types of stringed keyboard instruments used from the 15th through the 18th centuries. By the 19th century, the piano had become the most important domestic keyboard instrument. ”

“ Inherent in the design of a harpsichord is the limitation of dynamic nuance. The sound of a harpsichord is not greatly altered by increasing or lessening the impact of fingers on the keys. Rather, the dynamic level and quality of sound can be changed by varying the number of strings plucked (many harpsichords have three sets of strings: two sets tuned in unison [8′] and a third tuned an octave higher [4′] ) , by varying the location of the plucking point, and by muting the strings with felt or leather pads. ”

“ Since chromatic notes in the lowest octave of the keyboard were not often needed in the music of the 16th and 17th centuries, the practice of short-octave tuning was adopted.
Although the lowest note on a short-octave instrument appears to be E, the range was actually extended down to C. (The notation C/E indicates this arrangement.)
A typical short-octave instrument of the 16th and 17th centuries would be tuned in the following manner: E (1) is tuned down to C (I) ; F♯ (2) tuned to D (II) ; and G♯ (3) tuned to E (III) .
10
Harpsichord, 1745; made by Johann Daniel Dulcken, Antwerp Two manuals ”

“ Harpsichord, 1760; made by Benoist Stehlin, Paris Two manuals; Range FF-f3; 2×8′, 1×4′, buff, shove coupler
In recent years the Smithsonian was fortunate to acquire one of the few remaining French harpsichords. The builder’s name is known from the design on the soundboard rose which includes the initials “B” and “S”; also, the name “Benoist Stehlin” is inscribed on two of the jacks. The 1760 date is painted on the left side of the soundboard. ”

“ Models showing how the sound is produced on these instruments are also on exhibit.
A complete list of the keyboard collection is found in A Checklist of Keyboard Instruments at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, 1967) , which is available from the Division of Musical Instruments, Smithsonian Institution, Washington ,D.C. 20560.
4
Harpsichords
The harpsichord and its smaller relatives, the virginal and the spinet, have strings that are plucked. The harpsichord is wing-shaped, most virginals and spinets are either rectangular or polygonal. ”