Throughout history, the evolution of music has been constant and rich with innovations. Among the most loved and used musical instruments is undoubtedly the piano, now an inexhaustible source of melodies for every musical genre.

Not everyone knows that the piano has equally important ancestors, such as the clavichord, whose features and playing techniques we will explore in detail.

What is the Clavichord?

Musicians and enthusiasts who choose the clavichord rely on a stringed musical instrument with a small keyboard. The first models, as we know them today, which made music history, date back to the European scene spanning the period from the 14th to the 17th century.

Going into more detail about what a clavichord is, it should be noted that this musical instrument consists of a very small keyboard, where the strings are struck by metal tangents, unlike the piano, which requires hammers, or the harpsichord, which is characterized by plucked strings.

Compared to the harpsichord and piano, the clavichord allows sound modulation even after the notes are produced; in fact, the vibrato effect (known as Bebung) is one of its most famous features.

How is it Made?

Throughout music history, this instrument has undergone changes, but its main design and structure have remained consistent since the late 16th century. The clavichord is very similar to a piano, but significantly smaller, reducing both the space available for the musician and the functional capabilities. This instrument features a rectangular structure raised off the ground on four wooden legs, supporting all the components necessary for music generation. Specifically, it comprises six main components:

1. The instrument itself is strung with three or four tangents per pair of strings. This arrangement also gives a distinctive shape to the upper part of the instrument.
   
2. The clavichord has a keyboard with three octaves, plus a sixth, or even four octaves, usually in C or F.
   
3. A significant part of this musical instrument consists of several bridges that allow interaction between its primary components.
   
4. The clavichord is equipped with strings parallel to the keyboard.
   
5. A notable feature, defining its aesthetics, is the protruding keyboard compared to the case. The entire structure is divided into two sections: the keyboard is on the left, while the right houses a small rectangle designated for the strings. In more recent models, the keyboard covers the entire main area.
   
6. The final section of the clavichord is the outer case, used to protect the instrument.

Origins of the Clavichord

Determining the exact date of the clavichord’s creation is challenging, as this musical instrument has uncertain origins and is likely an evolution of the monochord, an instrument attributed to Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE, used in his acoustic studies.

The direct descendant of the clavichord is undoubtedly the piano, as it clearly represents an improvement in both its main structure and the arrangement of strings and soundboard. Identifying the monochord as the clavichord’s precursor highlights interesting characteristics, such as adding more strings and a keyboard that completes the structure.

The transition from monochord to clavichord likely occurred in the 14th century, though it wasn’t regularly used in musical compositions until the 16th century. Historical records suggest the clavichord’s origins lie between the years 1000 and 1050, associated with Guido of Arezzo. The term “clavichord” first appeared in 1404 in Eberhard Cersne’s book “Minne Regal”. Its first detailed description is found in the 1440 treatise “Arnaut de Zwolle” by Bernard Brauchli.

Analyzing the term “clavichord” reveals its etymology. The word clavi refers to the keys, derived from the Latin “clavis,” indicating elements used to represent musical notes.

In its historical journey, the clavichord evolved from the 15th century, gaining recognition as a proper instrument with 10 strings. This made it suitable for both melodic and harmonic compositions, appealing particularly to organists. Its widespread success stemmed from its cost-effectiveness and increasing use by music teachers, who offered affordable lessons.

The oldest known clavichord, dating back to 1543, was created by Domenico da Pesaro and is preserved in the Museum of Musical Instruments at Leipzig’s Karl Marx University. During the 16th century, this instrument introduced a chromatic keyboard and was reduced in size, measuring approximately 130 cm in width and 30 cm in depth.

The Clavichord and Bebung

One of the most important characteristics of the clavichord is undoubtedly the Bebung. Like the piano, this instrument features an escapement system that allows for vibration, but here it results from the tangent: as long as the key is held down, the tangent remains in contact with the string. Applying a series of consecutive pressures while holding the key generates rhythmic variations, resulting in a particularly evocative vibrato effect.

This vibration effect, known in German as Bebung, cannot be achieved in other keyboard string instruments.

How to Play the Clavichord

The reference book for starting to play the clavichord is titled “Libro llmado Arte de Tañer Fantasia,” published in 1525 by Fray Tomas de Santa Maria. This text explains methods for striking the keys, while in the 15th century, Fray Tomas published another treatise outlining the rules for ideal execution, titled “Del modo de herir las teclas.” The playing method is divided into six rules.

First Rule: Strike the keys with your fingertips so that the nails do not touch them. Extend the fingers to form an open curve, allowing the fingertips to glide and avoid producing unintended noises.

Second Rule: Each musician must strike the clavichord keys quickly and with energy.

Third Rule: One of the most important rules for playing the clavichord states that the keys must be struck with both hands at the same strength. This ensures no imperfections in the sound, particularly in the Bebung.

Fourth Rule: When pressing a nearby key, lift the finger slightly, a necessary condition to save time while playing notes. The musician should position their fingers to strike the keys perpendicularly, keeping their hands still and striking the keys at their edges.

Fifth Rule: Once the keys are pressed, they should be lowered to the same level, maintaining consistent tone quality.

Sixth Rule: Fingers must remain on the keys with constant pressure to achieve a uniform tone.