clavicembalo

The so-called “Sonatas” were actually written for a Clavicembalo with two manuals and a pedal.

The Clavicembalo, or Harpsichord, as it is called in the text, was in general known as the “Flügel,” the strings being plucked, or flipped by a quill or metal pin, after the manner of the modern mandoline.

The Clavicembalo was also built with two keyboards, like an Organ, and a pedal-board provided with strings.

These so-called “Organ” Sonatas were written for the Pedal Clavicembalo.

He held the Harpsichord, or Clavicembalo, incapable of the gradations of tone obtainable on the Clavichord, an instrument which, though feeble in quality, is extremely flexible.