What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cembalo
Example
The musician played a beautiful piece on the cembalo. [cembalo: noun]
Example
She practiced playing the cembalo for hours to perfect her technique. [cembalo: noun]
harpsichord
Example
The harpsichordist performed a captivating solo on the harpsichord. [harpsichord: noun]
Example
He learned to play the harpsichord as part of his music studies. [harpsichord: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harpsichord is more commonly used than cembalo in modern language and music discussions. Harpsichord is still recognized and used in the context of classical music, while cembalo is less familiar to many people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cembalo and harpsichord?
Both cembalo and harpsichord are considered formal terms due to their association with classical music. However, harpsichord is more widely known and used in both formal and informal contexts, while cembalo is more specific and may be used in more specialized or academic settings.
