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The harpsichord is a musical instrument played via a keyboard; a harpsichord’s strings are plucked, producing a harp like sound. Likely invented in the 1500's, the harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music by composers like Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) until it was surpassed in popularity by the newer pianoforte. Our harpsichord has a beautiful painted interior (not shown in photo above).
Contents:
- Harpsichord
- bench
Restrictions: Not for loan; in library use only. Please ask at the desk before using.
Location: Lobby, under the stairs
A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound via hammers striking the internal strings when the keys are pressed. Modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys, tuned to a chromatic scale in equal temperament. A grand piano is arranged horizontally (versus the vertically arranged upright piano) - the horizontal arrangement produces a higher quality sound. Likely invented in the 1600s, pianos remain a very popular instrument.
Contents:
- Piano
- bench
Restrictions: Not for loan, in library use only. Please ask at desk before using.
Location: Mellon Room
A digital piano is a type of electronic keyboard instrument designed as a portable, alternative to the traditional acoustic piano, both in how it feels to play and in the sound it produces. A digital piano has several other advantages such as less sensitive to changes in humidity or climate, not needing to be tuned, and being able to produce synthesized sounds.
Contents:
- Keyboard
- sustain pedal
- bench
- keyboard stand
- music stand
- AC Power adapter
- headphones (at desk) and headphone adapter
- user manual available upon request
Restrictions: Not for loan; in-library use only.
Location: Hallway, near Mellon Room