How does a harpsichord work? What gives it its distinctive sound world? And what place does this often richly ornamented keyboard instrument hold in music history?
During a visit to the large public instrument collection at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, harpsichordist Elena Khurgina demonstrates the remarkable range of colours a harpsichord can produce, offers insight into its sophisticated mechanics, and explains why it has been a popular instrument for centuries, far beyond just the Baroque period.
»The harpsichord is essentially the idea of combining a lute or guitar with a keyboard.«
Elena Khurgina
In Focus: Harpsichord :Season 2025/26
In the 2025/26 season, the Elbphilharmonie presents a special focus on the harpsichord, showcasing all the facets of this unique instrument.
Collection Musical Instruments :Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg
More than 600 objects from five centuries: the public collection of the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg features a wide range of valuable historical instruments that are outstanding examples of craftsmanship and artistic design.
