Jim Bunch happened  to bring up the question of  harpsichords in the context
of operas and this prompts me to mention a recent historical musical event
out here in Malta.

This was a performance of an opera composed by by Haydn in 1769 called "Le
Pescatrici".  It had been composed specifically for the wedding of the neice
of Baron Nicalaus Esterhazy and the score was subsequently  lost. It was
rediscovered in 1960 by HC Robbins Landon. The performance in Malta was the
second performance of  this opera  since Haydn's day.  The first performance
took place in Budapest a few days before.

 This would not not have merited comment here were it not due to an
unfortunate coincidence;  the orchestra was unable to accompany the opera at
the last moment and, rather than postpone it,  it was  was performed with
the accompaniement of a harpsichord and piano. The audience were dubious
about it (and felt cheated, having paid the usual exhorbitant opera ticket
rates!) but it was an enormous success.  It was performed in a small,
exquisite 300 year old Baroque theatre and this probably contributed to the
success.

I wouldn't be surprised if more-or-less impromptu performances of operas
were anyway often made with harpsichords in those days. A most enjoyabe
experience.

George