An Afternoon in Baroque — A Journey Through Ten Harpsichord Lessons
Machiko Suto
Is the harpsichord an ancient piano? What are the differences between the harpsichord and the piano?
How did Baroque-era musicians notate their music? How did performers read and interpret the scores?
Led by harpsichordist Machiko Suto, this journey will take you through time to explore the musical world of the Baroque period. By deeply understanding the context and history of classical music, your performance will become more profound and moving.
This lecture series is divided into three phases: starting from the basics of getting to know the harpsichord, gradually advancing to tuning the instrument, reading and performing from period scores, and hands-on opportunities to experience and play the harpsichord. You are free to choose the topics that interest you and register accordingly, exploring step-by-step the charm of the harpsichord, Baroque music, and early music.
Before the lectures begin, on Saturday, August 16th (afternoon), Machiko will hold a harpsichord introduction concert to showcase the instrument and introduce the lecture content. All interested friends are warmly welcome — tickets required!
♫ Target Audience
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Those interested in early music and the harpsichord
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Those interested in classical music
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Those currently on their musical learning journey
♫ Lecture Content
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[Phase 1] The Structure of the Harpsichord and the Historical Context of the Instrument
Lecture Dates: Saturdays 9/27 and 10/4, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, total 180 minutes
・"How does the harpsichord produce sound?" — Learn about the structure and sound production of the harpsichord
・"Where does the harpsichord come from?" — Explore the origins and historical development of the harpsichord in different regions
・The harpsichord is right here — Discover the unique tone and design through a physical harpsichord
✻ No restrictions on registration; all who are interested in early music or the harpsichord are welcome to join!
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[Phase 2] The First Step to Understanding "Today’s Harpsichord": Tuning and Its Close Relationship with Preludes, Fingerings, and Historical Scores
Lecture Dates: Sunday 10/19, Saturdays 11/1, 11/15, and 11/22, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, total 360 minutes
・"What is the relationship between preludes and tuning?" — Play simple preludes to check tuning results
・"Wait, how do you play without bar lines?" — Understand notation and performance practice of the period
・Hands-on experience in harpsichord tuning — Learn about different tuning methods and their effects
・"Show your finger skills!" — Experience 17th–18th century harpsichord fingerings firsthand
✻ Registration requirement: Participants should have a basic understanding of chords and be able to play pieces at the level of a minuet or above; those who do not meet these requirements must complete Phase 1 before enrolling.
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[Phase 3] How to Use Historical Sources for Practical Performance: Ornamentation and Embellishment
Lecture Dates: Saturdays 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, total 360 minutes
・Learn how to practically apply ornamentation and embellishments
・Analyze differences in ornamentation styles and performance practices across periods and regions
・Now it’s your turn! Experience freely adding personal style to ornamentation and embellishments
✻ Registration requirement: Participants should have a basic understanding of chords and be able to play pieces at the level of a minuet or above; those who do not meet these requirements must complete Phase 1 before enrolling.
♫ Event Information
│ Dates:
Phase 1: 9/27 (Sat), 10/4 (Sat)
Phase 2: 10/19 (Sun), 11/1 (Sat), 11/15 (Sat), 11/22 (Sat)
Phase 3: 11/29 (Sat), 12/6 (Sat), 12/13 (Sat), 12/20 (Sat)
│ Time: 13:00–14:30 (90 minutes)
│ Venue: Debussy Music & Arts Center (1F, No. 16, Lane 23, Rui’an St., Da’an District, Taipei City)
✻ Registration Fees
│ Phase 1: Single class NT$500, two classes package NT$900
│ Phase 2: Single class NT$1,000, four classes package NT$3,600
│ Phase 3: Single class NT$1,200, four classes package NT$4,320
│ Full 3-Phase Package: NT$7,840 (Access to all ten classes; partial attendance options are not available.)
✻ Registration Requirements
│ Phase 1: Open to anyone interested in early music or the harpsichord.
│ Phases 2 & 3:
Basic knowledge of chords is required.
Piano skill level: Able to play Minuets.
If you do not meet these requirements, participants who have registered for Phase 1 are also welcome to join.
✻ Registration Deadline: 2025-09-12 (Fri) 12:00 noon (Limited seats available, please register early).
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▻ Lecture Registration Link: https://forms.gle/rx3nD53y5TaK5cEL6
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♫ Organizer: Debussy Music & Arts Center
♫ Poster Design: Debussy Music & Arts Center | Design Team Yang Meng Jie
♫ Copywriting & Design: Debussy Music & Arts Center | Design Team Cheng Meng Han
Machiko Suto
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and the Amsterdam Conservatory with a Master’s degree in Harpsichord Performance.
Has toured in the Netherlands performing Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with orchestras, was invited to perform a solo recital at the Wunderkammer Trieste Music Festival in Italy, performed with the early music ensemble Ensemble La Pícara at the Royal Palace of Madrid during the FIAS2019 festival, and appeared with David Stern and the Shanghai Chaconne Early Music Ensemble at the 5th Shanghai Baroque Music Festival.
In Taiwan, has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Yin-Chi Choir and Orchestra, Baroque Quartet, Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Youth Orchestra, Chorus Ensemble, Taiwan Baroque Orchestra (TBO), and Lumen Early Music Ensemble.
In 2014, co-founded the IJ SPACE chamber ensemble with flutist Liang Yizhang, performing at festivals such as the Fabulous Fringe of the Utrecht Early Music Festival, Brussels IYAP, Amsterdam Harpsichord Contemporary Music Festival, and organ promotion concerts organized by the National Theater and Concert Hall.
Their debut album, Francesco Mancini: 6 Flute Sonatas (2020), was released physically and digitally by the Swiss classical label Claves Records.
Competition awards include: First Prize at the 19th Biagio Marin Chamber Music Competition (Germany), Third Prize at the Van Wassenaer International Chamber Music Competition at the Utrecht Early Music Festival (with IJ SPACE), and the Jury Special Prize at the Prix Annelie de Man Harpsichord Contemporary Music Competition (Netherlands).
Formerly taught harpsichord and keyboard harmony courses at the Department of Music, National Tainan University of the Arts. Currently serves as Artistic Director of the Artist Star performing group, a guest lecturer at Debussy Music and Arts Center, and adjunct harpsichord instructor at the Department of Music, National Taipei University of Education.
Photo Recap
"Afternoon Baroque — Harpsichord Introduction Concert" Successfully Concluded!
In this lecture, Machiko showcased the diverse styles of the harpsichord as expressed by different composers across various styles, regions, and periods—all within just forty minutes. Every time we listen to Machiko-sensei’s sharing, we can’t help but marvel at the boundless world of early music and the harpsichord. There are always new inspirations to be found within these ancient melodies.
The audience was also very attentive and engaged. Whether during the interactive sessions or the final hands-on experience, everyone participated enthusiastically, deeply moving us with their love for music. We sincerely thank you all.
Feeling like you want more after the lecture? Regretting that you missed it? Want to learn more about the harpsichord?
From September 27 to December 20, the "Afternoon Baroque — 10-Class Harpsichord Exploration Journey" will be led by Machiko, starting from the basics of understanding the harpsichord, gradually advancing to tuning the instrument, reading and performing period scores, and eventually experiencing and playing the harpsichord firsthand. You can freely choose the sessions that interest you and explore step-by-step the charm of the harpsichord, Baroque music, and early music.