music purists and traditionalists had kept the harpsichord alive and stood firm in their belief that harpsichord and piano music were not as compatible as believed. Most felt that early music needed to be played upon the harpsichord and it’s relatives. Many felt that too much was lost when the old works where played on a more modern instrument. A supreme irony existed. Certain music lost emotion when played on the piano, an instrument that exudes feeling, while it was a warm, great, and grand again on the “emotionless” harpsichord. More showy and exuberant music of Mozart and other classical and romantic composers sound cold and awkward on the harpsichord yet, when performed on piano, it was joyful and mirthful the way it was intended to be. Upon first impression it would seem that the harpsichord is doomed to play second fiddle to the piano. It seems that the harpsichord will always be second chair when it comes to a popularity contest. Thank goodness classical music isn’t into what is popular and mainstream. Tradition and exactness are more important than anything else even above participating in a musical “beauty contest.” Many wonderful translations of Bach’s music have been performed upon piano. One recalls the Goldberg Variations played by Glenn Gould. But, I do hope you will got out and give the harpsichord a try. Music is nothing more than story with or without words. The piano and harpsichord tell different versions of the same story. But, no translation is as good as what the original author has intended....
