Lexic.us

Definition of Harpsichord

1. Noun. A clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots.

Definition of Harpsichord

1. n. A harp-shaped instrument of music set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. It is now superseded by the piano.

Definition of Harpsichord

1. Noun. (music) An instrument with a piano-like keyboard, which produces sound by plucking the strings ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Harpsichord

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Harpsichord

Literary usage of Harpsichord

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians by George Grove (1908)
"This might seem far-fetched were not Lady Dudley's Antwerp harpsichord of 1642 actually so made. Here are four certainly original changes, ..."

2. Modern Music and Musicians by Louis Charles Elson (1918)
"Usually Bach's music does not drive people away; but Marchand was to have met Bach in a harpsichord contest on the following day, and from the knowledge ..."

3. The Living Age by Making of America Project, Eliakim Littell, Robert S. Littell (1922)
"In 1908 I bought the harpsichord I now use in the Beggar's Opera, ... The case of my harpsichord is mahogany, inlaid with satinwood and olive- wood. ..."

4. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
"By these great makers the harpsichord became a larger, heavier-strung, ... This ingenious harpsichord maker had been stimulated to gam these effects by the ..."

5. University Musical Encyclopedia by Louis Charles Elson (1912)
"THE PIANO AND HOW TO PLAY IT BY MARK HAMBOURG A Modern Instrument—Spinet and harpsichord—First Piano —Development and Use of the Piano—Great Composers and ..."

6. Famous Composers and Their Works by John Knowles Paine, Theodore Thomas, Karl Klauser (1891)
"By the side of magnificent grand pianos, the most noble instruments produced by this musical establishment, was a harpsichord, which gave promise of great ..."

Other Resources: