Tag Archive: harpsichord

  1. Harpsichords Rock! ?

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    You might be thinking: “A 16th century instrument featured in modern day pop songs? No plucking way.” But it’s true! Here are our top 5 picks of pop songs that feature this unique keyboard instrument.

    1. Scarborough Fair—Simon & Garfunkel

    Parsley, sage, rosemary and… harpsichord? Who remembers this?

    2. Monday, Monday—Mamas & the Papas

    It may not have a starring role in this song but the harpsichord is undeniably present, adding texture to this classic by Mama Cass & co.

    3. Got To Be There—Michael Jackson

    It’s 1971. Michael Jackson is about to record his debut solo studio album in Motown’s Motor City, and a version of this conversation *must* have happened…
    “You know what we need for the beginning of this song?”

    “Drums?”

    No.

    “Guitar?”

    No.

    “A harpsichord solo…?”

    YES.

    4. MacArthur Park—Richard Harris

    It’s a seven-and-a-half-minute long song about leaving a cake out in the rain. Why not throw some harpsichord into the mix?

    5. Golden Brown—The Stranglers

    Winner of the prize for most intriguing time signature and prominent use of harpsichord as a percussive instrument – continuo style.

    Hear the harpsichord in action in its more familiar Baroque music setting at the California Symphony’s FOUR SEASONS concert, November 6th and 7th at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $44-$74 ($20 for students 25 and under), available online or through the Lesher Center Box Office at 925.280.2490.

  2. Harpsichordist Derek Tam Strikes (Plucks?) a Chord

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    FOUR SEASONS harpsichordist Derek Tam explains how playing the harpsichord is different from playing a piano, and similar to being a drummer in a jazz combo.

    Are you a harpsichord specialist or do you play other keyboard instruments? 

    I’m a keyboard omnivore. I specialize on historical instruments such as the harpsichord and fortepiano (that is, early pianos of all kinds), but you’ll find me regularly on a concert grand as well.

    I don’t have a preferred keyboard: As long as it’s a quality instrument and it fits the repertoire, I enjoy it!

    Four Seasons is a cornerstone of harpsichord repertoire. Does it ever get a little… old? 

    Never! I’ve had a chance to perform it with some amazing soloists, and it’s endlessly fascinating to experience how divergent each artist’s interpretation can be. 

    What role does the harpsichord play in the piece? 

    In the Baroque era, harpsichordists and other chord-playing instrumentalists were often called to play continuo for chamber or orchestral music to fill out the harmony, but also to provide a percussive effect. To do so, harpsichordists would read “figured bass,” which is a bass line usually marked with numbers to signify the chords. The way you play, or “realize,” the chords is completely dependent on the musical context—and one’s own taste or whimsy!

    Want to learn more about figured bass? Here’s a 5 minute breakdown!

    For me, playing continuo style is akin to being both the pianist and drummer in a jazz trio.

    What is it about the harpsichord that makes it sound so different from a piano? 

    Great question, as people often just see that they are both keyboard instruments! The strings are plucked in a harpsichord; in a piano, they are hammered.

    Is there any modern repertoire that uses the harpsichord? If so, how is it used differently than in baroque music? 

    Plenty—from classical music to a surprising number of pop songs!

    Do you have to bring your instrument with you to concerts or is it rented?

    In most situations, there is not a “resident” harpsichord in a performing space, as there is with pianos. Sometimes, I bring an instrument I own, which is always a treat!

    Tell us about the instrument you’ll be playing at the concert.

    The instrument I’ll be playing is based on an early 18th-century French harpsichord. It was made in 1985 by Willard Martin, who is based in the idyllic town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

    We researched harpsichord jokes on the internet. Does the punchline always include a play on the word “Baroque”?

    Q Why couldn't Bach afford a new harpsichord? 
A He was baroque.

Q Why couldn't Handel play his harpsichord? 
A It was baroquen.

    Not necessarily! But it’s the easiest way to go. 

    Watch Derek and harpsichord in action!

    Johann Sebastian Bach – Concerto nach Italienischem Gusto in F major, BWV 971, “Italian Concerto” performed by Derek Tam; Johann Sebastian Bach – Ouvertüre nach Französischer Art in B minor, BWV 831, “French Overture” performed by Derek Tam; Ross McKee Foundation
    Couperin’s delightful harpsichord piece, arranged for sixth flute and performed by Hanneke van Proosdij and Derek Tam. Voices of Music “Evening in Paris” concert, 2018.

    Derek Tam performs in Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece at the California Symphony’s FOUR SEASONS concert, November 6th and 7th at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $44-$74 ($20 for students 25 and under), available online or through the Lesher Center Box Office at 925.280.2490.

    ** Go for Baroque and ask those burning questions you’ve had of harpsichordist Derek Tam, who joins music director Donato Cabrera and soloist Alexi Kenney for 30-minute, pre-concert talks, starting an hour before each performance – free to ticket holders.**

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