Italian Harpsichord-Building in the 16th and 17th Centuries

Delve into the world of 16th‑ and 17th‑century Italian keyboard makers, whose instruments prized elegance over the elaborate mechanisms of their northern counterparts. The work surveys the distinctive construction of Italian harpsichords and virginals, highlighting their simpler frames, single manuals, and modest stop configurations. Richly illustrated with photographs of museum pieces, it invites listeners to picture the graceful lines and decorative panels that set these instruments apart.

Drawing on measurements from dozens of surviving examples, the author explains puzzling variations in keyboard ranges and string lengths, offering insight into the practical choices of the period’s craftsmen. The discussion balances technical detail with an appreciation for the instruments’ resonant, uniquely warm tone—still admired in modern restorations and reproductions. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of why these modest yet beautiful keyboards earned a lasting place in music history.