A History of the Harpsichord + CD - Tapa dura

"[This book] can unhesitatingly be recommended as the most comprehensive book on the harpsichord. Given its size and the number of plates and illustrations, it should not be thought expensive and will surely take its place as one of the standard reference sources in any music library." -Notes "Not only does Kottick's History supplant The New Grove Early Keyboard Instruments as the first book to read about the harpsichord, but it is a valuable reference for information about specific types of instruments. The author covers all significant known developments from the the invention of the harpsichord (around 1400) to the present." -NewOlde.com

A History of the Harpsichord brings together for the first time more than 200 photographs, illustrations, and drawings of harpsichords in public museums and private collections throughout Europe the United States. Edward L. Kottick draws on his extensive technical knowledge and experience as a harpsichord builder to detail the changing design, structure, and acoustics of the instrument over six centuries. Based on painstaking research, the book considers the place of the instrument in society and vividly describes the market forces that brought about changes in its form, decoration, and cultural importance. An accompanying CD includes performances on several of the historical instruments described and illustrated in the volume, including a 1580 spinett virginal by Martin van der Biest and instruments built by Ruckers and Pleyel. The volume devotes attention to American harpsichord design as well as to present and future uses of the instrument.