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© 2010
Carol lei Breckenridge

The Harpsichord

The harpsichord, majestic instrument of European courts into the 18th century, is a keyboard instrument in which strings are plucked, somewhat like a guitar. Each region of Europe developed a unique style and instrument. The Italian harpsichord, primarily used as a continuo, accompanying instrument, was incisive and bright, necessary for holding together an ensemble. At the opposite pole, the French harpsichord had a dark, resonant tone, generally two manuals, and multiple tonal possibilities. Other regional harpsichords were built to suit the music of the area: Flemish, English, and Iberian.

I travel with outstanding copies of both Italian (Neapolitan) and French (double manual) harpsichords, shop-built by Zuckermann Harpsichords International. Programs are available featuring both instruments.

Enter the world of the European courts with programs such as:

"A French Feast: Francois Couperin's Descriptive Pieces"
"An International Feast: Italian, French, German, and Spanish"
Carol lei Breckenridge
Email: Carollei@breckenridgec.com