An Italian keyboard instrument similar to a harpsichord, with plucked strings struck by keys, popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
From Italian 'clavicembalo,' from 'clavi-' (keys, from Latin 'clavis') + 'cembalo' (dulcimer or similar string instrument). The term emerged in 15th-16th century Italy.
The clavicembalo is basically the Italian name for what we call a 'harpsichord'—different regions had their own names, and understanding these terms is key to reading historical musical documents and auction records.
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