Tricordia

Tricordia, in the context of historical keyboard instruments, refers to a specific type of upright harpsichord or clavicytherium characterized by having three sets of strings for each note. This contrasts with instruments that have one (unicordia), two (bicordia), or more than three.

The purpose of having three sets of strings was typically to achieve a richer, more resonant, or louder sound. The strings might be tuned at different pitches (e.g., unison, octave, or other intervals) to create a more complex and interesting timbre. Alternatively, they could all be tuned to the same pitch to increase volume.

Tricordia instruments are relatively rare compared to bicordia models. The increased complexity of construction and tuning likely contributed to their scarcity. Information regarding specific historical makers and models of tricordia harpsichords can be found in specialized organological literature and museum collections. The term highlights a specific construction feature related to the stringing of the instrument and its resulting sound characteristics.