cembalo
Definition
Noun: A musical instrument, specifically a harpsichord, in which the strings are plucked by plectra (small picks) mounted on jacks. It is a keyboard instrument that was particularly important in European music from the 16th through the 18th centuries.
Usage
The word "cembalo" is used to refer to the instrument itself, often in historical or formal musical contexts. It is synonymous with "harpsichord."
Examples
- The Baroque ensemble featured a cembalo providing the continuo part.
- She is an expert in restoring antique cembalos.
- The sonata was originally written for cembalo and violin.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in its Italian form, as the instrument was highly developed in Italy. In English, "harpsichord" is more common, but "cembalo" is frequently seen in musical terminology and historical discussions.
- The plural form can be "cembalos" or the Italian "cembali."
Variants and Related Words
- Harpsichord (n): The more common English term for the same instrument.
- Clavichord (n): A different historical keyboard instrument where strings are struck by tangents, not plucked.
- Virginal (n): A smaller, rectangular form of the harpsichord.
- Spinet (n): A small, oblique-shaped harpsichord.
Synonyms
Harpsichord, clavicembalo (Italian), clavecin (French).
Related Phrases
- Figured bass for cembalo: Refers to the common Baroque practice where a keyboardist (cembalist) improvises an accompaniment from a bass line with numerical chords indicated.
- Cembalo obbligato: A musical part where the harpsichord is a required, soloistic voice, not just an accompanying instrument.
Noun
-
a clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots
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