Mus. rare. [f. It. cembalo, properly cymbal or dulcimer, but used in musical scores (abbreviated from clavicembalo) for the harpsichord or pianoforte part: see -IST.]
One who plays the pianoforte in an orchestra.
1871. E. Graeme, Beethoven, ii. (1876), 21. Young Ludwig was appointed cembalist at the orchestra, i.e., to preside at the pianoforte.
1879. Grove, Dict. Mus., I. 37/2. Organist to the cathedral and cembalist to the court at Salzburg.
