Harpsichord

Most kids say, "harpsi-WHAT?" Alberti Publishing explains harpsichords this way:

• A “harpsichord” looks like a small piano. The first harpsichord was created more than 600 years ago.

• The black and white keys on a harpsichord are often the opposite from the modern piano.

• Pianos use a hammer to strike the strings but a harpsichord uses a plectrum to pluck the strings. When you play a harpsichord, it doesn’t matter how hard you press the key, the sound is not louder or softer—it’s always the same!


Want to see more? visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera