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Early modern harpsichord?
About two weeks ago I bought a Harpsichord (Jørgen Bengaard). Of cause it wasn´t new and I consider it more to be a donation since it was very cheap. It wasn´t the harpsichord I was looking for either. I needed one that I could bring with me at any concert I might do. But this was unlike any Harpsichord I have ever seen before. There were foot-pedals (toggles) and 16´-stops and was as heavy as any grand piano (it held an iron frame). But I had to buy it!!! and now I found out that there is absolutely no information saying anything about this kind of instrument. It seems that most early musicians (of our time) would rather that it had never existed! So in the future you will find many posts regarding this particular kind of harpsichord that must have been the obvious choice of instrument for the not-quite-so-early Harpsichordist. My first priority will be to find a recording of the instrument from the time it was build…
I took some of my first harpsichord lessons on a harpsichord with pedal (Rutkowski & Robinette) stops. There are some 20th century pieces for which pedal stops are quite useful - the Carter Quartet comes to mind. He specifies a 16′ stop, and the speed at which one needs to change stops is no doubt connected to the presence of a harpsichord with pedal stops (I’m guessing that’s what Carter had at his disposal when he wrote it). You might post to the harpsichord listserv to see if anyone there might help you with finding a recording you’re looking for. I play historical instruments but recognize the place in history of the “modern” harpsichord. Enjoy!
Comment by megc — March 2, 2006 @ 5:32 pm
Thank you very much for your comment. I am very interested in finding music composed for this kind of harpsichord.
Comment by mogens — March 9, 2006 @ 12:54 pm
Interestingly, some of my first lessons were on an old Pleyel harpsichord. I remember hating it from the very beginning (I was–and am–a ultrapurist!) My teacher (at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) had access to an exceedinlgy wide range of early keyboard instruments–from 17th century spinets, to 18th century Kirkmans, to an 1806 Broadman pianoforte, to modern reproductions of 18th century English, French, and Italian harpsichords, to an 18th century English chapel organ that he put in his house (the chapel was slated for destruction!), to various clavichords, to the Pleyel Beast. He wanted me to be familiar with all types of early instruments. It’s always nice to have access to such a broad range of harpsichords, especially as an eager 12-year-old student!
As to music for the 19th/20th century behemoths, try work by Vincent Persichetti (sp?). For recordings, look into anything recorded by the famed Wanda Landowska and also recordings by Rafael Puyana.
Comment by nabetz — May 24, 2006 @ 7:37 pm
I own a Pleyel harpsichord (with 7 Pedals). I like only modern harpsichords and dislike historicals. The prejudice against modern instruments is baffling to me - rather dogmatic. The list of 20th century compositions for harpsichord is actually very extensive. The players who made a reputation out of 20th century music are, interestingly, women - Elizabeth Chojnacka (who plays only modern harpsichords), Barbara Harbach, Elaine Funaro, and the late Sylvia Marlowe.
Comment by John Gavin — September 23, 2006 @ 4:17 pm