Soundiron, a software company specializing in virtual instruments, has launched a new product: a Harpsichord library for Kontakt. This library features an 18th-century Italian harpsichord, offering users a chance to experience the unique sound of this historical instrument.
The Harpsichord, a keyboard instrument that dominated European music from the 16th to mid-18th century, was a key player in both Renaissance and Baroque compositions. Known for its distinctive design, the harpsichord typically had two or more sets of strings, each producing unique tones. The sound was amplified by a soundboard beneath the strings, which transmitted vibrations through a bridge. Unlike a piano, the strings were plucked with quills rather than struck with hammers, meaning a key could only produce one velocity. Harpsichords were produced across Europe, with production centers in Italy, Flanders, France, Germany, and England. The instruments varied in configuration, with different keyboard setups, foot pedals, and hand stops. Their cases were often works of art, adorned with inlays, paintings, and intricate surface decorations. The plucked strings of the harpsichord offered a rich, clear sound that enriched the complex melodies of Baroque music. Nearly every Baroque composer wrote for the harpsichord, whether as a soloist or in continuo.
For this library, Soundiron sampled a prestigious 18th Century Italian Bizzi Harpsichord owned by Claudia Ferrero, a renowned teacher and renaissance performer in Europe. The instrument was carefully recorded to preserve the unique sound characteristics of both the instrument and the room. The recording took place in a warm studio located in the beautiful countryside of San Raffaele Cimena, Italy.
Soundiron has faithfully sampled every interesting sound that could be produced by this instrument, with two stereo mic positions: Bridge and Soundboard. The library includes the piano and forte registers, glisses, slides, percussive impacts, plucks, scrapes, and taps. Additionally, a wide selection of custom FX presets and plenty of Soundiron’s signature sound-designed ambient content, crafted from the raw acoustic source, is included to give users complete creative freedom.
For a limited time, the Harpsichord library for Kontakt is available at a 29% discount. The expiry date of this offer is currently unknown.
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