Italian Harpsichord-Building in the 16th and 17th Centuries

Italian Harpsichord-Building in the 16th and 17th Centuries by John D. Shortridge reveals the understated brilliance of Italy’s early keyboard makers and the instruments they crafted. Blending History and Music scholarship, Shortridge presents close technical study and rich historical context on Italian harpsichords and virginals of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The audiobook guides listeners through distinctive construction features—simpler casework, single manuals, and unique string lengths—that set Italian instruments apart from their Northern European counterparts. Drawing on detailed examinations and illustrations from museum collections, Shortridge explains puzzling variations in keyboard ranges and vibrating string lengths while tracing continuity in Italian models across 150 years. The narrative balances organological detail with cultural perspective, showing how tradition and regional taste shaped tone, design, and performance practice. Ideal for music historians, instrument makers, early-music performers, restorers, and curious listeners who love technical history, this audiobook offers a clear, authoritative look at a neglected chapter in instrument history. Listen to deepen your understanding of how these elegant instruments were made—and why their sound still captivates.