Revival Harpsichord Dark Improv

This instrument was down for a week for a keyboard/stop conversion. I decided to make the 4ft stop which used to sound on the upper manual sound on the lower instead, and while doing that I discovered the upper manual had sticking keys all over the place. Ended up adding more weights to that keyboard and glue sizing the balance pin holes in most of them to finally get it working. Just finished tuning and this idea popped into my head. Sorry, no fancy title cards or camera work this time, just plain old me and the music. Please like, subscribe and comment if you enjoyed this!

[@allyalison1043]

i just wish the harpscihord community wasn't so puritan about historical accuracy, then they would see the amazing instruments these revival instruments actually are

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

I agree with you. I’ve been fortunate enough to not have someone come out and tell me to switch to a “real” harpsichord yet. I really do love these instruments, and in proper working order they can be magnificent. I’m currently rebuilding two of my instruments, including the one in this video to make them be the best they can. Hoping to post updates soon.

[@TheEves]

This was just so pleasant to hear - really atmospheric! Great stuff - I've sent you a sub. Best wishes, Marissa, Scotland

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so incredibly much! I’m really glad you enjoyed this and thank you for the sub! I’ve subbed to you as well! There will be much more coming this year! Thank you again and best wishes to you as well!

[@michaelfuria4257]

I have a Hubbard French double, about 40 years ago, I am constantly fussing with the action as it keeps going out of whack-those kit harpsichords are for the birds...

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

I have to agree with you. The Neupert currently doesn’t have its jacks, looking to replace with wood or plastic. My Sperrhake has new wooden jacks and it rarely goes out of whack. I’ll be posting a video of that instrument later today if you’d like to hear it. Other than the action, how do your like your Hubbard? Never played on one before

[@Nooticus]

Absolutely incredible improvisation! I’d kill to be able to improvise like this! You clearly have listened to your bach keyboard and organ toccatas as I hear the influence strongly here! Great instrument too!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you! I love Bach’s music and I always try to emulate his style with my own. This instrument sadly doesn’t play at the moment but I’m hoping to get it playing by next year. Thanks for listening!

[@Nooticus]

@@HeavyHarpsichord you're welcome!

[@worstcat8489]

You are very skilled and plainly have a deep love of the instrument and the music. Excellent improv work my friend.

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much for you kind and warm comment! I really appreciate that! I'm hoping to get a few more out there this week so stay tuned, as they say! Thank you again!

[@renaldtremblay8333]

Excellente improvisation Monsieur! Bravo!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Merci!

[@happyherbert1984]

Very fine and a well played piece. Enjoyed it!

[@fpengelbrecht9314]

I played this at midnight, and now there's a man dressed in clothes from 1778 standing in the moonlight by my window staring at me....

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Uhoh, you’ve done it now…

[@KawaiiFive_O]

Love this!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!! :)

[@dal2983]

Kawaii desu ga🤣🤣

[@jhonnyrestrepo6780]

Amazing. I enjoyed the whole piece.

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@reanimator7775]

That's awesome, great work !!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much! I’m glad that you liked it!

[@reanimator7775]

@@HeavyHarpsichord hell yeah it's an inspiration !

[@bronktug2446]

Amazing improvisation, how did you learn to compose and improvise counterpoint like this, through playing a lot of bach? Any musical treatises?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you! I picked a lot of it up just by studying scores and trial and error. I haven’t personally read and treatises outside of what I had to for college 10+ years ago, but I’d love to when I get time. This isn’t written down yet, but I encourage anyone whose good at transcribing by ear to take a crack at it

[@aalexoo9200]

Beautiful 😍

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you!!

[@melvis24]

Majestic!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much!! There will more like this coming out soon this year! Thank you for listening!

[@saturnus423]

This is amazing, thank you.

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you so much! Thanks for listening, there will be lots more coming this year!

[@saturnus423]

@@HeavyHarpsichord Yes please! I love the darkness of it, so brooding and beautiful in an imposing way. Great work.

[@MrRick5461]

Awesome...This reminds me of Landowska's instrument. How much fun is that?!?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you! I’d say that the pleyel had quite a lot of influence on most 20th century instruments, and this instrument brings me lots of fun when I play it! I’m glad you like it!

[@juliantabunar4947]

Very Nice!!

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Julian Tabunar thank you so much!!! 😊

[@bronktug2446]

Do you have the score for this wonderful piece available?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

No, sadly I haven't written this one down

[@remi-chapalain]

Nice !

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you!

[@DrChaad]

Nice playing but I believe your recording quality can be improved, substantially. I don't know what you are using, but there is little if any channel separation, and the frequency range could use more low end.

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

I agree with you. My set up when this was done was just my iPhone and a condenser mic. I’ve got a peavey board since then but still experimenting on making recordings better

[@jiioannidis7215]

Very nice. What temperament are you using?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you! I use well temperament for everything

[@dal2983]

OK, why is in sound like h mineur(B mineur) when you play C mineur? Can somebody tell me?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Hi there, the reason for that is it's tuned down a half step from concert pitch to relieve stress on the soundboard and Internal structure. You have a good ear! 😎

[@sebastiansandoval925]

Can you make a music sheet for this? I wanna learn it

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Hi! Unfortunately I don’t have it written down but maybe someday I can sit down and notate it. Glad you like it!

[@rasohatskiy_andriy.]

What is the name of this piece?

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Honestly I’ve never named it. Was just something I sat down and made up

[@happyherbert1984]

Also it looks like there's at least one woman with long hairs in the house...a little detail revealed it. :-)

[@HeavyHarpsichord]

Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! The hair tie may be purple, but I guarantee you I’m the only one with long hair in this house, minus the cat lol!!