Last
time we introduced the harpsichord as an early keyboard instrument. Today,
let’s listen to a piece performed on this beautiful instrument.
Composer
Johann Kuhnau was a cantor of St. Thomas’ Church in Leipzig just before J.S.
Bach took the position. The most fascinating of his keyboard compositions is a
set of six Biblical Sonatas composed in 1700. On them, Kuhnau indicated that he
intended them for organ, harpsichord, or other similar instruments. These
sonatas contained a programmatic element built upon Old Testament scenes in the
Bible. These scenes include “The Fight between David and Goliath,” “Saul Cured
through Music by David,” “Jacob’s Wedding,” “The Mortally Ill and Then Restored
Hezekiah,” “The Saviour of Israel/Gideon,” and “Jacob’s Death and Burial.”
Here’s
a listening example of “The Fight between David and Goliath.” This sonata
begins with dotted rhythms meant to depict the big, brave and fierce giant,
Goliath. He follows with a chorale-prelude meant to reflect the prayer of the
Israelites. The third movement contains a dance depicting the point when David
decides to trust God and approach Goliath. When the stone flies toward the
giant, we hear a quick scale and when Goliath falls dead, we hear short,
descending chromatic passages.
What
do you think of this excerpt? Do you enjoy the sound of the harpsichord more or
less than the clavichord?
Once
the piano gained dominance, the harpsichord was forgotten, including the
repertoire. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the music was revived
for piano but it still was not performed on the original instrument. It wasn’t
until the 20th century that we see a revival of ancient music/instruments.
