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The Italian harpsichord was found all throughout
Europe in the 16th through the 18th Centuries, and for good reason. The
combination of richness, strength and sweetness of sound make these instruments
useful for a wide variety of solo literature, as well as ideal for accompanying
voice, a wide variety of instruments, or a large ensemble: blending, yet
always being heard.
Italian instruments were built primarily
in two ways: the True inner-outer, and the False inner-outer, or integral
construction.
The Grimaldi is an example of the true inner-outer,
with a cypress inner case and poplar outer case. The Giusti is of the
integral construction type, with a poplar case and veneers and moldings
to imitate a true inner-outer.
Italian Harpsichord
after C. Grimaldi
A large Italian instrument, with a refined and rich sound, fantastic for
both solo and accompanying. More...
Italian Harpsichord after G. B. Giusti
A small instrument, with a strong, direct sound, easily transportable.
The ideal instrument for continuo gigs. More...
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