The harpsichord generates sound by plucking strings when keys are depressed, in contrast to the piano which strikes them.

pianos with stops to produce a harpsichord effect. For example, the Italian word 'cembalo' is a shortened form of 'clavicembalo' which means 'harpsichord'; but when Mozart writes 'cembalo' in a ...

The harpsichord was plucked and its volume did not depend on the pressure used to play the keys. The introduction of the piano allowed more dynamic expression.