Proposal: The harpsichord is a great instrument that has been overlooked for centuries because composers essentially quit writing for it by the middle of the 18th century. It’s no surprise that the piano came to dominate; it’s more resonant, has a wider tonal palette, and is far more flexible than the harpsichord, but the shunning of the harpsichord in response underscores the fact that even four hundred years ago we were a species that was more than willing to usher aside something classic in favor of something new and flashy. Thus, be reassured that the harpsichord is still around and available. And feel free to prove or disprove the above theory for yourself, this weekend, in Pittsburgh at Synod Hall, where Richard Egarr will beat his ‘chord into submission Saturday at 8. (FULL ARTICLE: Andrew Druckenbrod, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)