TPW Neapolitan Harpsichord

Our Neapolitan Harpsichord was inspired by originals by Bocalari dating from the end of the 17th-century. The case is in lime with a Swiss pine soundboard, and is of “false inner-outer” construction, tricking the eye into believing that this is an instrument resting in an independent external case. This conceit is enhanced by the contrast of the inner natural cypress wood against the painted exterior.

Our case is built in traditional Italian manner around the bottom, with the sides reinforced by knees and framing. We use the expected 2x8⁠´disposition of the Italian harpsichord, without buff. The two unison choirs are permanently engaged, and while there is no provision to change registration, one can move either of the traditional boxguide registers to disengage a choir, perhaps to facilitate tuning.

The keyboard of the original had a short octave bass, but we took the opportunity to extend the bass to fully chromatic from C.

The instrument is delivered with a lid and fallboard, music desk, and a turned stand in traditional Italian style. This exciting harpsichord has a precise touch, and a bright and pure sound with pronounced attack. It makes an ideal continuo instrument and provides inspiration for the incredible solo Italian keyboard repertoire.