clavicembalo

[klav-i-chem-buh-loh]

noun

plural

clavicembali 

1. a harpsichord.

clavicembalo

/ ˌklævɪˈtʃɛmbələʊ /

noun

1. another name for harpsichord

Other Word Forms

• clavicembalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clavicembalo¹

1730–40; < Italian < Medieval Latin clāvicymbalum, equivalent to Latin clāvi ( s ) key + cymbalum cymbal

Word History and Origins

Origin of clavicembalo¹

C18: from Italian, from Medieval Latin clāvis key + cymbalum _cymbal

Example Sentences

He held the Harpsichord, or Clavicembalo, incapable of the gradations of tone obtainable on the Clavichord, an instrument which, though feeble in quality, is extremely flexible.

From Project Gutenberg

The Clavicembalo, or Harpsichord, as it is called in the text, was in general known as the “Flügel,” the strings being plucked, or flipped by a quill or metal pin, after the manner of the modern mandoline.

From Project Gutenberg

These so-called “Organ” Sonatas were written for the Pedal Clavicembalo.

From Project Gutenberg

The Clavicembalo was also built with two keyboards, like an Organ, and a pedal-board provided with strings.

From Project Gutenberg

The so-called “Sonatas” were actually written for a Clavicembalo with two manuals and a pedal.

From Project Gutenberg