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Haydn, Josef (highdn)

Composer; Austria.

B. 1732; d. 1809.

HEPTACHORD the second F2 above the treble staff, six and one-half octaves. The natural harmonics, produced by touching the middle of the string lightly with one hand, are extremely effective in very soft passages.

Harpe (Fr.), Harfe (Ger.). The harp.

Harpsichord, Harpsicol, Clavicin (Fr.), Cembalo (It.), Clavicembalo (It.), Flügel (Ger.). A string instrument with keyboard, in shape like the modern grand piano. The sound was produced by pieces of quill, leather, or tortoise-shell, which scratched across the strings when the keys were struck. Harpsichords were often made with two rows of keys and with stops, by means of which the tone might be modified.