Topic: Iron-framed harpsichord

Has anyone tried to emulate the sound of an iron-framed harpsichord in Pianoteq?

‘Revival’ harpsichords, as they are sometimes called, have a distinctive sound which is more beefy than wooden-framed, historically accurate models. Here’s a website with some info and music clips: https://www.christopherlewis.net/reviva...hords.html

The harpsichord featured surprisingly often in pop music, film and TV soundtracks from the 1950s to the 1970s. I’ve included a few YouTube clips to supplement the examples in the Christopher Lewis website. The Stranglers’ Golden Brown dates from 1981, but I always think it has a very 60s feel to it.
https://youtu.be/z1JGCIPcmt0
https://youtu.be/loH3-mYHV-A
https://youtu.be/umYJc8HAtsI
https://youtu.be/Qca9ByvLhBA

Last edited by dazric (02-07-2022 12:53)

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

Interesting examples...

Iron framed:

PunBB bbcode test



Vintage :

PunBB bbcode test


The Columbo's track used a lot of eletronic filters (vintage), specially for deep susteins.

One thing I suggested, when the morphing tool was bening developed, was the chance to choose what elements of each instrument would be combined or replaced. In theory, if it one day get implemented on future, it would be possible to make an harpsichord to resonate just the iron harp of a pianoforte, creating a effect very close of what you wish.

I believe Modart could create an adapted add-on with something like, I mean use one of the harpsichords and the algorithm of the iron harp of one fortepiano to resonate according the string vibrations and sound ressonances of the harpsichord. Voila...

Last edited by Beto-Music (02-07-2022 14:29)

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

Yes, the Columbo soundtracks included a lot of experimental electronic effects, tape delays, synths, etc. There were several composers who worked on the classic Columbo series, and I love them all!

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

dazric’s question ”Has anyone tried to emulate the sound of an iron-framed harpsichord in Pianoteq?”

Here is my first attempt, my listening example of 'Revival' Harpsichord, made with new material and technic.
Morphing Blanchet Harpsichord and Pianoteq K2.
Bach BWV 902/1a.

It was said…..”were generally manufactured using modern materials and modern building techniques, and as consequence revival harpsichords were essentially a totally new kind of instrument (1950/60s).

Now we have 2022 and new materials (plastic can be stromger than metal) and techniques Modartt morphing!
And plastics can be made stronger than metal  and is cheaper material than steel. So, a new harpsichord.

My new modern revival harpsichord. I hope it can be and remain an important part of music making again, especially in popular music 
Now have to try it in pop music too. I’m an experimenter as you know.
(I made the recording earlier this year with Mistral).

https://forum.modartt.com/uploads.php?f...hed%20.mp3

Best wishes,

Stig

Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast, Harpsichordteqenthusiast and experimenter

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

That's a good start, some interesting sonic possibilities there. I always like the satisfying 'clunk' that happens when you release the keys on a harpsichord!

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

The single moment that best define Columbo character in the whole show:

https://youtu.be/NVu-0Os7YjU?t=126



Part 2: https://youtu.be/NVu-0Os7YjU?t=443


Click in the text links only, to go direct to the proper sellected video timecode.


dazric wrote:

Yes, the Columbo soundtracks included a lot of experimental electronic effects, tape delays, synths, etc. There were several composers who worked on the classic Columbo series, and I love them all!

Last edited by Beto-Music (02-07-2022 19:34)

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

Ah, brilliant. There are so many wonderful scenes in Columbo! Perhaps we should have a sub-forum, 'Pianoteq Columbo fans'...

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

dazric wrote:

Ah, brilliant. There are so many wonderful scenes in Columbo! Perhaps we should have a sub-forum, 'Pianoteq Columbo fans'...

And a ”sub-forum-substitute” called ”Pianoteq Columbo fans, playing Organteq”           Can’t stop laughing…..
Thanks dazric!  That made my day.

Best wishes,

Stig
Pianoteqenthusiast, Organteqenthusiast, Harpteqenthusiast, Harpsichordteqenthusiast and experimenter

Last edited by Pianoteqenthusiast (03-07-2022 11:04)

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

I don't know if this is iron-framed - but it certainly is a beast of an instrument...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-YSM4SPcYw

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

Amazing sound, and also amazing playing performance.

Three registers... Together they gave a sound inspiring in a way similar to an organ, when playing fast.


DEZ wrote:

I don't know if this is iron-framed - but it certainly is a beast of an instrument...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-YSM4SPcYw

Last edited by Beto-Music (07-07-2022 22:52)

Re: Iron-framed harpsichord

DEZ wrote:

I don't know if this is iron-framed - but it certainly is a beast of an instrument...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-YSM4SPcYw

Very impressive! As an authentic copy of a 1740 harpsichord, it will be wooden-framed - but that 16ft register gives it a 'big' sound, not too far away from the 'revival' (iron-framed) instruments, I think.

It would be a great instrument for Modartt to model!

Last edited by dazric (09-07-2022 15:06)