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Instruments - The Harpsichord Fund

In the interest of catalyzing a new direction for the music program, we have a stand-alone fund that is independent of this campaign to commission the building of a harpsichord after a historical model. It will serve as a focus around which aspects of the music program can be developed.

Why a harpsichord at Eagle Hill and why choose from among the finest examples?

A vast repertoire of solo and chamber concert compositions for the harpsichord was written during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, with published works starting to appear regularly around the early 16th century. Harpsichords were favored throughout Europe, but especially in Italy, Germany, Holland, England, and France. The most celebrated composers who wrote for the harpsichord include Georg Friedrich Händel (1685–1759), Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643), Francois Couperin (1668-1733), Jean-Philippe Rameau (c. 1683-1714), and Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757).

A much-favored instrument ... Harpsichords are a much-favored instrument in chamber concert performances. Unlike clavichords, they are not easy to move and are best kept safely onsite in a temperature- and humidity-controlled setting. They are thus not often featured in performances. Eagle Hill would be unusual in being able to host solo and chamber concerts featuring a harpsichord.
Striving for regular use ... By choosing from among the finest harpsichords that are being made, we hope to assure that it will be regularly played and maintained. In order to help facilitate this, we hope to earn the interest of aspiring and accomplished musicians who would welcome coming as musicians-in-residence to play on such an exceptional instrument. Those who choose to do so would be welcome to offer a solo recital towards the end of their visit.
Proof of concept on stepped basis ... There is earnest interest in planning for performances within the cultural and events center featuring chamber orchestra and chamber opera performances. We will begin by hosting performances featuring selections of arias with accompaniment from just a few musicians. Pending this and the acquisition of our harpsichord, the next step is hosting performances of small ensemble short Baroque operas.
Master classes ... With the completion of our first Master Class for musicians on "Technique and Interpretation for Plucked Instruments", and a hoped-for Master Class sometime in 2024 for clavichord musicians, the stage will be set for a Master Class for harpsichord musicians. By choosing from among the finest insruments that can be made, we will be well positioned to earn the interest of an exceptional instructor.
Mentoring younger musicians ... Visiting harpsichord musician-in-residence would be welcome to bring a student with them. There is an interest among some of our musicians in teaching local musicians.