Clavichord

Definition

The clavichord is a keyboard instrument that originated in the late medieval period and was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It produces sound by striking brass or iron strings with tangents, which are small metal blades attached to the keys. This instrument is known for its expressive capabilities and dynamic control, making it significant in the evolution of keyboard instruments and the development of performance practices related to basso continuo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The clavichord allows for subtle dynamic control, enabling performers to vary the volume and expressiveness by adjusting how hard they strike the keys.
2. It was particularly favored by composers and musicians for practicing, as its soft sound made it suitable for quiet settings.
3. Unlike the harpsichord, which produces sound through plucking, the clavichord's mechanism allows for greater expressiveness and nuances in playing.
4. The clavichord had a significant influence on the development of later keyboard instruments, including the piano, particularly in terms of touch sensitivity.
5. In the context of basso continuo, the clavichord served as an important instrument for realizing harmonic progressions and providing support to melodic lines.

Review Questions

• How does the mechanism of the clavichord contribute to its unique expressive qualities compared to other keyboard instruments?
  • The clavichord's unique mechanism involves striking strings with tangents, allowing for a more nuanced dynamic range and expressive playing. This contrasts with instruments like the harpsichord, which plucks strings and lacks this sensitivity. As a result, musicians can achieve subtle variations in volume and tone on the clavichord, making it ideal for personal expression in performance.
• Discuss the role of the clavichord in shaping performance practices related to basso continuo during its prominent usage.
  • The clavichord played a vital role in shaping performance practices associated with basso continuo due to its ability to provide harmonic support while allowing for delicate expression. Musicians used it to realize figured bass lines effectively while also adding personal interpretations through touch. This adaptability made it a popular choice among composers and performers during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, influencing how harmony was approached in ensemble music.
• Evaluate the impact of the clavichord on later keyboard instruments, especially considering its influence on dynamic control and expressiveness.
  • The impact of the clavichord on later keyboard instruments was profound, particularly regarding dynamic control and expressiveness. As composers transitioned into more expressive music styles in the Baroque era, features seen in the clavichord were adopted into the design of fortepianos and eventually modern pianos. The emphasis on touch sensitivity and nuanced playing established new standards for performance that influenced both composition and instrumentation in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Fortepiano: An early version of the piano that emerged in the 18th century, known for its softer sound compared to modern pianos and its dynamic range.

Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument that plucks strings when keys are pressed, producing a bright, clear sound, commonly used before the piano became popular.

Basso Continuo: A musical practice used from the late Renaissance to the Baroque period, involving a continuous bass line accompanied by harmonies played by instruments like the organ or harpsichord.