Italian Harpsichord after Grimaldi

Carlo Grimaldi, who also made organs and lutes, was considered one of the finest Italian builders of the late 17th through the early 18th centuries. He retains that reputation today, even though only two of his instruments have survived. But these long and slender harpsichords, with no embellishment other than their graceful shape and complex architectural moldings, are among the most handsome and eloquent examples of Italian harpsichord building that have come down to us.

Both the extant Grimaldis are 'true inner-outers'; that is, they are thin-case, natural-wood harpsichords set into heavy, painted, protective outer cases. But integral case instruments - the ones we now call 'false inner-outers' - were being made then as well. These were heavy-case harpsichords, but with moldings and veneers strategically placed, they gave the appearance of an inner instrument in a painted outer case. Like almost all Italians, our Grimaldi model is disposed 2x8' and has one keyboard. Strung entirely in brass, the sound of the Grimaldi is noted for its power and speech-like quality, appropriate for continuo playing, accompanying, and for the Italian solo literature.