What is a Harpsichord?

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  • Опубліковано 17 кві 2015
  • Ever since I started doing my Living Piano: Journey Through Time Historic Concert Experience - where I play concerts showing the development of the piano from the harpsichord to the early fortepiano and finally the modern concert grand piano in period costumes, one of the most frequent questions I receive are about the harpsichord. People are fascinated by its unique sound and interesting design. Today we are going to explore what makes the harpsichord special and how even though it’s related to the piano it’s a unique instrument. It’s hard to imagine a time before the piano was invented, yet years ago the harpsichord and the pipe organ were the keyboard instruments of choice.
    Full Article:
    livingpianos.com/piano-questio...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 183

  • @GroovyDominoes
    @GroovyDominoes 5 років тому +502

    phil swift but in a another universe

    • @Okuni_
      @Okuni_ 4 роки тому +24

      Phil Swift but he sells piano

    • @suggestiveprincess
      @suggestiveprincess 4 роки тому +23

      He looks also a little (imo) like Mark Hamil

    • @Clayton-vn6pe
      @Clayton-vn6pe 4 роки тому +7

      Swill phift

    • @octaviolee8282
      @octaviolee8282 4 роки тому +10

      I SAWED THIS HARPSICHORD IN HALF, and repaired it with only flex tape

    • @lop2279
      @lop2279 4 роки тому +1

      Exotic Criminal I was gonna a day that

  • @MyLittlePonyFan24
    @MyLittlePonyFan24 4 роки тому +250

    so a harpsichord plucks the strings and a piano has a hammer hit them. cool, thanks for the info!

    • @matthewmendez3632
      @matthewmendez3632 3 роки тому +10

      So is the harpsichord to the piano what the lute is to the guitar?

    • @piano-link
      @piano-link 3 роки тому +3

      @@matthewmendez3632 But you can pick a guitar just as well.

    • @NoirFan01
      @NoirFan01 3 роки тому

      Would have liked to see how it plucks

    • @chanukahsingersforyahuwah7104
      @chanukahsingersforyahuwah7104 3 роки тому +5

      Yes. The piano came later in instrumental history. It was originally called piano forte which is Italian for soft loud, because it could change volume unlike the harpsichord

    • @sully1939
      @sully1939 3 роки тому

      WOW really?

  • @tarkin1980apa
    @tarkin1980apa 3 роки тому +69

    Just watching this guy talk puts me in a better mood.

  • @babeena_gt_3645
    @babeena_gt_3645 4 роки тому +144

    I love the sound of the harpsichord, it has a angelic sound to it

    • @pianoman4036
      @pianoman4036 3 роки тому +8

      Yeah I agree I know how it sounds in person because I have a diginal piano and with that I can change the sounds of it, so I can change it to a harpsicord!

    • @itsJelix
      @itsJelix 2 роки тому +1

      @@pianoman4036 same i got a new one called yamaha p45

    • @adaptercrash
      @adaptercrash Рік тому +2

      Me too but not when they play it like that, and we can sample it, cool intro sound

    • @babeena_gt_3645
      @babeena_gt_3645 Рік тому +1

      @@pianoman4036 a real harpsichord hits so much better in the sound factor than the digital one. But close enough 😊

  • @benjaminsmith2287
    @benjaminsmith2287 7 років тому +313

    When did keyboards go from large black keys with smaller white keys to the opposite that we have in today's keyboards and pianos? Anyone know?

    • @HenkVeenstra666
      @HenkVeenstra666 6 років тому +93

      Benjamin Smith its because wood is less expensive than ivory

    • @nihar1987
      @nihar1987 6 років тому +127

      That's because dark gaps in between the natural keys are easier seen in white keys so you get a better judgement of note intervals. Dark gaps on black keys would make them difficult to tell keys apart especially in dim light.

    • @davidmdyer838
      @davidmdyer838 5 років тому +28

      Probably when ivory became more available. Colonialism.

    • @brucealanwilson4121
      @brucealanwilson4121 4 роки тому +17

      @@davidmdyer838 White keys are also made from bone.

    • @brucealanwilson4121
      @brucealanwilson4121 4 роки тому +11

      Some harpsichords also had pedal keyboards like organs. Sometimes just pulling down notes from the main keyboard, but some had a whole separate instrument controled by the pedalboard.

  • @BEAKER6868
    @BEAKER6868 5 років тому +87

    one of my favorite musical instruments. I wish it was more prevalent in today's music world.

    • @davyroger3773
      @davyroger3773 3 роки тому +5

      Check out Vampire Weekends first album, they incorporate it really well

    • @stevewalby3524
      @stevewalby3524 2 роки тому +1

      Give Saint Etienne a try. They use harpsichords in a lot of their songs. ua-cam.com/video/xaEsmPxg17k/v-deo.html

    • @zedlz
      @zedlz Рік тому

      rise and shine

  • @linkkicksu
    @linkkicksu 2 роки тому +14

    I always thought of harpsichord music as sounding somewhat abrasive and sharp, but with that stop lever it's really gentle sounding.

  • @carleighk1
    @carleighk1 6 років тому +61

    I LOVE Robert's happy voice and amazing attitude. As a music major writing a Music History Paper at 2am and hating my life right now, he definitely was able to lighten my mood and put a smile on my face, as well as provide some really helpful information. Thank you!!

  • @afrotrumpet2246
    @afrotrumpet2246 5 років тому +114

    This guy is basically Mark Hamill if he played piano.

    • @dustyblack5048
      @dustyblack5048 4 роки тому +2

      is that just because of his face? that only vaugely, other than that, i see not but a passing resembelence... if you squint maybe.

    • @katiehelms8903
      @katiehelms8903 3 роки тому +3

      Oh my gosh they have the same voice

  • @BluegillBill
    @BluegillBill 4 роки тому +75

    he need to say "inconceivable"

  • @tomlavelle8518
    @tomlavelle8518 3 роки тому +10

    A harpsichord is like the child of a banjo and a piano

  • @jeffkrebs
    @jeffkrebs 4 роки тому +22

    I wish I could see the mechanics of the instrument

  • @markwalter1050
    @markwalter1050 4 роки тому +9

    We had a harpsichord at my college, in the corner of the voice instruction room. I used to sneak in at night and play it. 😁 There was also a baby grand piano in the gymnasium. :)

    • @pianoman4036
      @pianoman4036 3 роки тому +1

      Well at least you sneaked in for a right reason. Thats the power of music.

  • @Trid3nt861
    @Trid3nt861 3 роки тому +2

    Hearing a Harpsichord playing music makes me feel like holding up a cup of tea with a pinky in the air....... *FANCY*

    • @pianoman4036
      @pianoman4036 3 роки тому

      Haha, yeah it does bring in a vibe that takes you back to the mid evil times.

  • @Aenygma_
    @Aenygma_ 3 роки тому +5

    "What is a harpsichord?"
    The king of instruments is what it is.

  • @SteveCarras
    @SteveCarras 4 роки тому +8

    It's an instrument I heard 1967-`1971 in hit records!
    Love-"Da Capo" album
    Paul Mauriat and Orchestra-"Love is Blue"
    Doors-"Touch Me"
    Judy Collins-"Both Sides Now"
    Linda Rondstadt-"Long Long Time"
    Partridge Family-"I Think I Love You!"
    Badfinger-"Day after Day"
    then in 1990s
    "Strawberry Girl, Srar-f--r
    and others, by Tori Amos.

    • @isabeld.paredes4923
      @isabeld.paredes4923 Рік тому +1

      The harpsichord was indeed very popular from 1966-1972, but there were a few songs, like you wrote, from 1973 onward.
      Here are a few more examples:
      "The morning after" (from The Poseidon adventure, 1972, popularized by Maureen McGovern, 1973)
      "Wait 'til tomorrow" (from the children's show The Banana Splits, c. 1968-69)
      "You only live twice" (from the 1967 James Bond movie)
      "Windy" (the Association, 1967)
      ...and the list goes on

    • @Kreege
      @Kreege 11 місяців тому

      ​@@isabeld.paredes4923 "golden brown" by the stranglers

  • @NotiFawkes
    @NotiFawkes Рік тому +1

    Nothing beats the buzz of the harpsichord backing an orchestra

  • @HumanNature9870
    @HumanNature9870 3 роки тому +3

    I saw one in a museum here in Puebla (Mexico). I wanted to know how it did sound like. Thank you for this review.

  • @sebastianzaczek
    @sebastianzaczek 5 років тому +11

    The intro music on a harpsichord!😄

  • @quinton1110
    @quinton1110 3 роки тому +3

    I somehow knew that intro would be on a harpsichord. Always wanted to play one.

    • @pianoman4036
      @pianoman4036 3 роки тому

      Then just get a deginal piano! some of them you can just change the sound, also to a harpsicord like mine does.

  • @TeshnosFire
    @TeshnosFire 4 роки тому +7

    He sound a bit like Wallace Shawn from Princess Bride. :o Is it an accent?

  • @mercoid
    @mercoid 3 роки тому +8

    Since I first truly realized my love of music more than 35 years ago through my discovery of Bach, the harpsichord has been my sonority of choice in relishing exquisite structures in the type of music that speaks to my heart. However, I am keenly aware that this preference is only meaningful and organically appealing to me as an individual. When I hear harpsichord, I hear beautiful, angelic singing. The fact that it is harpsichord sound is not the least bit relevant to the deep satisfaction I derive from the Music itself. I just prefer the sound of harpsichord for the type of music that is meaningful to me. This doesn’t mean I am incapable of experiencing a strong reaction to my music being well performed on other instruments. My spouse finds the sound “grating” and “nerve racking”..., intolerable!

    • @leomiller2291
      @leomiller2291 3 роки тому +2

      How does a relationship between a harpsichord lover and a harpsichord hater work?

  • @AVarshaAndersonss-ys1kq
    @AVarshaAndersonss-ys1kq Рік тому

    Thanks for this Robert

  • @Shaeith
    @Shaeith 3 роки тому +3

    This was great - but I would have loved to hear you play more!

  • @theadventurer732
    @theadventurer732 3 роки тому +8

    @2:27 N O T E

  • @ish9506
    @ish9506 3 роки тому +2

    So a harpsichord is basically a guitar as a piano?

  • @Jumboobs
    @Jumboobs 3 роки тому +3

    2:00 me when i gangnam style dance in a slender man costume, causing a child to cry in terror

  • @domukelis
    @domukelis Рік тому

    Great video, thank you for sharing

  • @froukjewijbrandi3486
    @froukjewijbrandi3486 4 роки тому

    Beautiful!

  • @Daimon
    @Daimon 9 років тому +3

    Nice to see you again Robert. How are you?

  • @AndweleHarris
    @AndweleHarris 3 роки тому

    I like his enthusiasm..it's like he's trying to keep the attention of a hyperactive child...love it!

  • @matthewtorossi616
    @matthewtorossi616 3 роки тому

    thanks for the info, very helpful. very enjoyable

  • @east_bay_transit_nerd
    @east_bay_transit_nerd 4 роки тому

    at school some people visited and brought a harpsichord that they later let us play on, and let me tell you when you press down on one key you can feel it plucking the string, like if you were to lightly press on one note you'll feel resistance, and then press it harder you get a sound

  • @wh4t3v3rblah7
    @wh4t3v3rblah7 4 роки тому +5

    This is an interesting vid i didnt know the piano had a grand daddy

  • @pieterkotze1007
    @pieterkotze1007 4 роки тому +5

    nevermind I want a harpsichord now

  • @latmaskenswe
    @latmaskenswe 3 роки тому +1

    Taking a shot every time he says harpsichord.
    Dies

  • @tobolulo
    @tobolulo 2 роки тому +2

    The devil scratching his nails across a blackboard = the sound of the harpsichord.

  • @binneboi5458
    @binneboi5458 2 роки тому

    He hesitated before hitting the harpsichord hard, he must really like that piano.

  • @HierophanticRose
    @HierophanticRose 3 роки тому +1

    I am interested if there is a tie between Harpsichord(and thus Piano) and eastern instruments like Santur, Qanun, Cimbalo, Koto, Zheng and other Tapped and Plucked Dulcimer Forms

  • @kalipso49
    @kalipso49 4 роки тому

    THX!

  • @thiendao9598
    @thiendao9598 2 роки тому

    Finally , after all those years , I knew what was this royalty commonly used tune called what

  • @NinjadoPantanoPlays
    @NinjadoPantanoPlays 3 роки тому +1

    Robert dude you gotta play some songs while showcasing the instrument, some real RV 199 shit some fucking fire you know? Appreciate the video, lots of love your way

  • @timothy6672
    @timothy6672 7 років тому +10

    the correct answer is - my favorite instrument =)

  • @awvalenti
    @awvalenti 3 роки тому +2

    Nice video, but could you clarify the difference between the two keyboards? Do they sound the same? Can you play each on a different adjustment?

    • @LivingPianosVideos
      @LivingPianosVideos  3 роки тому +2

      There are more than one setting for each keyboard which can be change between or even during a performance.

    • @gatesurfer
      @gatesurfer 2 роки тому

      Let's begin with terminology, a lot of which comes from organ. A keyboard is often called a "manual" or a "register." So this is a double-manual instrument. On double-manual instruments, the top manual is called the "front 8." The "8" is taken from organ, where the approximately 8-foot pipes were used to create notes in "regular" pitch, i.e., approximately A=415 for baroque pitch. The bottom keyboard is tuned the same, and is called the "back 8." In addition, many harpsichords, like this one certainly, has a "4," which is an octave higher. Again, that is from the organ, where the 4-foot pipes would create those pitches. "Two 8s and a 4" is a very standard configuration for a double-manual harpsichord.
      The "back" and "front" refers not to the position of the manuals on the instrument, but to the position of the little plucking mechanisms on the harpsichord, known as "jacks." You press a key down, and it lifts a "jack," which has a little sliver of material (originally bird quill but now plastic) that plucks the string.
      The jacks on the "front 8" are aligned close to the bridge of harpsichord. The jacks for the "back 8" are just a bit further -- maybe a half inch -- away from the bridge. In addition, the strings on the front 8 are shorter than the strings on the back 8. So you have a different pluck point, and a different length of string vibrating, resulting in a different timbre in the sound, although the pitch is the same.
      It's quite noticeable, once you know what you're listening to. The front 8 is like plucking a guitar string closer to the bridge. It's twangier, but in a way more delicate. So if you want to create a light, airy sound, you'd use the front 8. Whereas the back 8 is perhaps richer, smoother, more mellow. This is of course all highly subjective. But if you look through a Bach French suite, you'd get a sense that some movements are light and airy, like a minuet, for which you'd use the front 8, while other movements are more stately and elegant, like an allemande, for which you'd use the back 8.
      You can also mix and match the sounds, "coupling" the two 8s together, and even adding the 4 as well. That's the loudest sound you'll get out of a harpsichord without amplification. It's quite aggressive, with three plucks setting three strings off vibrating. You hear that combination most often in gigues and courantes, which tend to be the most energetic pieces among baroque dance works. Those pieces often sound "crunchy" rather than "plucky," especially in recordings, which unfortunately don't pick up the resonance of the harpsichord very well.
      How you combine the keyboards is often called "registration," another organ term. I will anticipate your next question and say that while it's very common to "change registers" between movements, it is very rare to do in the middle of a movement, at least in historically informed performance. You will not see a true harpsichordist playing Bach and jumping from keyboard to keyboard, except for the Italian Concerto, which alternates between orchestral "tutti" sections and "solo" sections.
      Also, you might be asking if a double manual instrument is required for the literature of the time. It is not. Harpsichordists play what's available, and if you only have a single-manual insrument available, that's what you play. The exception to this is Bach's Goldberg Variations, where he specifically wrote that it's for a double-manual instrument. That's because there's a lot of cross hands sections. It's kind of amazing that pianists can do it on one keyboard.
      Of course having a double-manual instrument is preferred. It gives you more choices.
      Hope that helps.

  • @adrianrubi5012
    @adrianrubi5012 Рік тому

    Are these still being manufactured?

  • @michiganmandolinorchestra8830
    @michiganmandolinorchestra8830 3 роки тому

    What gives the notes their “sizzle?” Is it because of how the strings sit on its own saddle?

    • @LivingPianosVideos
      @LivingPianosVideos  3 роки тому

      The strings are plucked in a harpsichord giving a characteristic bright attack of notes.

  • @jacknguyen7004
    @jacknguyen7004 4 роки тому

    nice

  • @senseishikakaibutsu
    @senseishikakaibutsu 4 місяці тому

    The instrument in every good horror movie

  • @petarjovanovic6063
    @petarjovanovic6063 8 років тому +2

    Whwre can I steady harpsicord in USA,bicouse i am moving to the Maryland. And i finish primary school for piano...

  • @baseddino
    @baseddino 2 роки тому

    Golden boy OP used it so I had to know

  • @HELLH0WND
    @HELLH0WND 2 роки тому +1

    Ok - Now do the solo from In My Life.

  • @pianoman4036
    @pianoman4036 3 роки тому +1

    When I hear a harpsicord it feels like Im in the bid evil times, or something fancy.

  • @matchavillage_VT
    @matchavillage_VT 5 років тому +19

    He played the g note 3 times

  • @kritikasampleone7457
    @kritikasampleone7457 5 років тому

    Thank you!

  • @heyitsmeobama4335
    @heyitsmeobama4335 3 роки тому

    2:00 pog

  • @TheUncunningFox
    @TheUncunningFox 4 роки тому

    12th?

  • @finden3362
    @finden3362 4 роки тому

    The intro scared me

  • @kalipso49
    @kalipso49 4 роки тому

    that U are from the west coast,, Hmm! what do U suggjest for rock and roll harpsacord. I think Handel is the man

  • @meme_cave
    @meme_cave 3 роки тому

    Flexchord
    ~piano man phil swift

  • @raymondtheredpanda
    @raymondtheredpanda 2 роки тому

    ONLY 3K LIKES!??!?!?!?!?!?! WHAT!?!?!?

  • @jaxnean2663
    @jaxnean2663 3 роки тому

    You should have showed the mechanism inside

  • @coolman035
    @coolman035 2 роки тому

    It's like a piano harp, go figures

  • @laserdonkey6469
    @laserdonkey6469 4 роки тому +3

    I thought this was made up for regular show

  • @worldtravel101
    @worldtravel101 29 днів тому

    So thats what it looks like... i only know the button 😂

  • @robertsteinberger5667
    @robertsteinberger5667 3 роки тому

    God only knows is played on a hapsichord with reverb, not?

  • @dukinukireal
    @dukinukireal 2 роки тому

    2:00
    grayfruit moment

  • @K._Oss
    @K._Oss 3 роки тому

    And also made 60s British pop more interesting

  • @corvid8461
    @corvid8461 2 роки тому

    I only know what a harpsichord is because of Futurama

  • @ADeadlierSnake
    @ADeadlierSnake Рік тому

    This guy looks like Chuck from Better Call Saul (Michael McKean)

  • @ChristianChase7
    @ChristianChase7 2 роки тому

    I’m here because I started listening to Vampire Weekend lol

  • @Soroboruo
    @Soroboruo 2 роки тому

    Nothing improves a song like a harpsichord solo, imo

  • @kaneda015
    @kaneda015 2 роки тому

    nice hair

  • @bwootton1988
    @bwootton1988 Рік тому

    Lego set 10305 bought me here

  • @tylerjames1716
    @tylerjames1716 2 роки тому

    Cool instrument. This guy is a nut lmao

  • @sipol426
    @sipol426 2 роки тому

    He looks like if dr sturgis from Sheldon grew hair

  • @someguyfromarcticfreezer6854
    @someguyfromarcticfreezer6854 3 роки тому

    Sounds like normal piano have real hammer instead soft hammer.

  • @newbie4789
    @newbie4789 Рік тому

    The fact that I heard about this instrument because of a Chinese video game...

  • @raffajelchannel9474
    @raffajelchannel9474 4 роки тому

    Im here from PvZ2 Dark Ages music

  • @marshacreary2442
    @marshacreary2442 5 років тому +1

    Reminds me of an organ

  • @sethjavorsky4247
    @sethjavorsky4247 4 роки тому +6

    Uh it’s like the opposite of a piano... white sharps and flats, and the black normal keys

    • @FarBeyondStrange
      @FarBeyondStrange 4 роки тому +3

      And it plucks the strings when you press the keys instead of striking them.

  • @lemau8458
    @lemau8458 5 років тому +29

    Looks like phil swift, * THATS ALOT A DAMAGE *

    • @stbest0514
      @stbest0514 5 років тому +2

      Wooosh Farmer how bout a little more

  • @mrmeckles9422
    @mrmeckles9422 2 роки тому

    Why in a harpsichord the natural notes are black and the sharps and flats are white

  • @Ok-cd9gg
    @Ok-cd9gg 2 роки тому

    chuck from better caul saul

  • @someguywithadog3239
    @someguywithadog3239 2 роки тому

    Harpsichord is a piano but the inventor of the instrument is colorblind

  • @boobyqueen
    @boobyqueen 3 роки тому +1

    UN Owen was Her

  • @angelganchegui7448
    @angelganchegui7448 3 роки тому

    En Español

  • @BudderB0y2222
    @BudderB0y2222 4 роки тому

    What is he trying to sell me

  • @huma19
    @huma19 4 роки тому +1

    Me: more interested in the add about playing Queen songs with simply piano app

  • @sandrobruni7575
    @sandrobruni7575 5 років тому

    Ordering breadsticks at Olive Garden

  • @BlurryBit
    @BlurryBit 2 роки тому +3

    Ok, so this is not about herpes. Excuse me!

  • @dafrandle
    @dafrandle 4 роки тому

    I wonder what does an early Harpsichord look like?

  • @thebetergede
    @thebetergede 9 років тому +7

    Something wrong with this video? cannot watch it.

  • @mercster
    @mercster 3 роки тому +6

    Thanks for not playing the harpsichord at all, it really whets everyone's appetite.

    • @pugsabi
      @pugsabi 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for saving me time

  • @fancydeer
    @fancydeer 3 роки тому +2

    why does that harpsichord look like it's on a greenscreen?

  • @pieterkotze1007
    @pieterkotze1007 4 роки тому +1

    At first, I didn't know what a Harpsichord looked like and then when I saw it I was like...
    everyone else: meh.
    me: EVILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @fktx3507
    @fktx3507 2 роки тому

    Sounds like a broken midi file.

  • @wildanS
    @wildanS 5 років тому +7

    You're a talker...

  • @joypadretro2797
    @joypadretro2797 3 роки тому

    Is that your real hair?

  • @theoracle2877
    @theoracle2877 4 роки тому

    Nice rug...almost believable 😆😆😆

  • @ivan868
    @ivan868 4 роки тому +2

    Stop talking and start playing! :)