Moderated by Professor Carol Hess (musicologist, UC Davis), with Belle Bulwinkle (pianoforte player, Mills College), and Phebe Craig (harpsichord player, UC Davis).

The fascinating musical developments that took place in the 18th century prompted a great evolution in keyboard instruments and, in turn, significant changes in keyboard technique. 

Many are aware there was a transition between the Baroque and classical periods in music, but what was really going on? Was there ever a composer who went to his instrument maker and said, 

“Really, I need something else! Alberti and his cohorts came up with this great way of sustaining a harmony forever in my left hand, but it is really annoying on the harpsichord, and it is covering up the melody the King composed. It’s just too loud! I might lose my job! I need an instrument that can play both loud and soft at the same time!”

Enjoy a fun and informative discussion of what happens when Sturm und Drang, Empfindsamkeit, and Galant find themselves in the same sentence in a book on music history and have to “duke it out”!

After the discussion, please visit the many instruments (a variety of harpsichords, a clavichord and a fortepiano) that will be placed in different locations at the Mondavi Center for visitors to hear and play (gently, of course).

Free, non-ticketed