German Theorbo-Harpsichord - Edition Beurmann

• The German Theorbo-Harpsichord is a unique instrument that combines features of the Lautenwerck and harpsichord.
• It uses both gut and metal strings, producing a sound reminiscent of lutes or harps.
• The instrument offers a distinctive "bell-like" timbre due to its metal register.

Product Overview

German Theorbo-Harpsichord - Edition Beurmann revives a rare instrument that combines the characteristics of a lute and a harpsichord. This unique instrument features both gut and metal strings, producing a warm, resonant sound that evokes the tonal qualities of both instruments, enhanced by bell-like timbres from its metal register.

Details

The library captures the theorbo-harpsichord with a focus on its expressive capabilities, featuring six registers and combinations to explore a range of tonal colors. Each note is chromatically sampled eight times, ensuring a natural and lively response, while key noises are included in four variations to enhance realism. The instrument is recorded in a rich acoustic environment using Neumann TLM-170 microphones, providing clarity and depth.

Although the theorbo-harpsichord is not velocity-sensitive, it offers nuanced tonal variations with each key press, allowing for expressive performances. The samples are presented in original 412 Hz Valotti tuning, with presets also available in 440 Hz. This library is suitable for composers looking to incorporate historical authenticity into their scores, particularly in Baroque and classical contexts.