Page "Harpsichord" Paragraph 51

In the late 18th century the harpsichord was supplanted by the piano and almost disappeared from view for most of the 19th century: an exception was its continued use in opera for accompanying recitative, but the piano sometimes displaced it even there.

20th century efforts to revive the harpsichord began with instruments that used piano technology, with heavy strings and metal frames.

Starting in the middle of the 20th century, ideas about harpsichord making underwent a major change, when builders such as Frank Hubbard, William Dowd, and Martin Skowroneck sought to re-establish the building traditions of the Baroque period.

Harpsichords of this type of historically informed building practice dominate the current scene.