Problems of Harpsichord and Piano Technique, and of Expressive Playing
Paul Badura-Skoda, Alfred Clayton · 1993
Abstract Because we are concerned with performances on harpsichords, fortepianos, and modern pianos, it seems apposite to describe the similarities and differences between the ways these instruments are played. Common to all of them is a certain resistance in the action that has to be overcome in order to produce a sound. On the harpsichord this resistance stems from the greater or lesser degree of rigidity of the quill plectra and can be quite considerable when all the stops are in use. On the fortepiano, be it early or modern, the reason for this resistance is the (now much greater) weight of the hammer and the ‘aftertouch’, which is similar to that of the harpsichord. In passing it is worth mentioning that on the clavichord there is no escapement resistance until the tangent strikes the vibrating string.