At 00:32 03-02-08, Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:

 >Most people first hear a harpsichord as a tinkle on a distant stage.

Actually, I think that most people probably first hear a harpsichord 
on a CD recording of a baroque ensemble work.  I have heard many such 
recordings on the radio recently and they have all shared the same 
problem: the harpsichord is balanced too loud.  Real life is 
different and, I suspect, must be a big disappointment to many listeners.

david