Clavichord

Definition

The clavichord is a stringed keyboard instrument that was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, known for its expressive capabilities and intimate sound. It produces sound by striking metal strings with small wooden tangents, allowing for subtle variations in dynamics and pitch through touch, making it an ideal instrument for solo practice and intimate performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The clavichord was favored by composers such as J.S. Bach and was often used for practice due to its soft volume, making it suitable for home use.
2. Unlike the harpsichord, the clavichord allows players to achieve a range of dynamics and expressiveness through touch, which is why it was preferred for personal music-making.
3. The instrument typically has a limited range of about four octaves and can produce a gentle, almost whisper-like sound that is particularly effective for intimate settings.
4. Clavichords were often built into furniture, making them accessible to amateur musicians and those who could not afford larger instruments.
5. Although it declined in popularity with the rise of the fortepiano in the late 18th century, the clavichord remains an important historical instrument that showcases early keyboard music techniques.

Review Questions

• How does the mechanism of the clavichord differ from other keyboard instruments like the harpsichord?
  • The clavichord differs from instruments like the harpsichord primarily in its sound production mechanism. While the harpsichord plucks strings when keys are pressed, producing a bright sound, the clavichord strikes strings with wooden tangents, allowing for more nuanced control over dynamics and pitch. This striking mechanism gives the clavichord its unique ability to create soft tones and expressiveness, making it ideal for personal performance and practice.
• Discuss the role of the clavichord in the musical lives of composers during the Baroque period.
  • During the Baroque period, the clavichord played a significant role in the musical lives of composers as both a practice instrument and a tool for composition. Many composers, including J.S. Bach, utilized the clavichord to explore musical ideas due to its intimate sound and responsiveness to touch. It allowed them to develop their compositions in a private setting before presenting them on larger instruments like the harpsichord or organ.
• Evaluate the historical significance of the clavichord compared to other keyboard instruments in shaping Western music from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.
  • The clavichord holds historical significance as a precursor to later keyboard instruments such as the fortepiano and modern piano, influencing musical composition and performance practices from the Renaissance through the Baroque period. Its unique sound production method allowed composers to experiment with expressive nuances that would later be integral to piano music. While it may have been overshadowed by more prominent instruments like the harpsichord and fortepiano, its legacy persists in its contributions to keyboard technique and its role as a personal instrument for composers exploring their artistry.

Related terms

Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings when keys are pressed, known for its bright, resonant tone and commonly used in Baroque music.

Fortepiano: An early version of the piano that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by its ability to produce varying dynamics and a softer sound compared to modern pianos.

Tangent: A small wooden device that strikes the strings in a clavichord to produce sound; it can be adjusted to change pitch and allows for expressive techniques like vibrato.