Harpsichord

a stringed musical instrument in use before the invention of the piano. The modern piano was developed from it. The strings are mounted in a frame like that of a grand piano, and are played by means of keys. Instead of striking the string with a hammer, the key of the harpsichord plucked the string by means of a leather or quill point. The player had no control over the loudness of tone, although a double keyboard was sometimes used, one for soft, the other for loud effects. As compared with a piano the tones were characterless and tinkling. It held its own up to the beginning of the nineteenth century. In colonial days the harpsichord was found in every well furnished parlor. It was used to accompany singing and in providing music for the stately minuet, then in fashion. The harpsichord of the Washington mansion is still preserved at Mt. Vernon. See Piano