The Inheritance and Breakthrough of Twentieth-Century Harpsichord Music: Stylistic Analysis and Performance Guide of Selected Works

The twentieth century saw a notable revival of early music, with the harpsichord, one of the key instruments in this movement, gradually gaining attention as a vehicle for new compositions. However, most research still focuses primarily on early music, leaving the phenomenon and specific works of modern harpsichord music underexplored, despite the substantial body of compositions it has inspired. This dissertation traces the development of harpsichord music across four historical periods, while also examining the stylistic and technical shifts in compositions from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. By analyzing Bohuslav Martinů’s Deux Pièces pour Clavecin, H. 244, and Vincent Persichetti’s third harpsichord sonata, the author explores how twentieth-century composers approached the instrument, blending historical elements with modern approaches. Through this comparison, the study uncovers how composers reimagined the harpsichord in contemporary settings, balancing tradition with innovation. The goal is to deepen the understanding of the harpsichord’s evolving role and provide performers and composers with insights they may need to engage more effectively with this distinctive instrument in modern contexts.