Keyboard+Instruments-+Emma+Williamson

 KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS IN THE BAROQUE PERIOD



Introduction to the Baroque Era

The Baroque Era fell between the years of 1600 and 1750. The word "Baroque" originated from a Portuguese term meaning "a peal of irregular shape". This was because the period was thought of as strange and extravagant. The era brought great changes as instrumental music became just as important as vocal music. This type of music is thought to be more elaborate and vivid than all the eras that came before.

Introduction to Keyboard Instruments

Keyboard instruments are used with a set of keys, white being the natural notes and black being the flat and sharp notes. They are played by pushing down the on the keys with fingers. There are four main classes of keyboard instruments; chordophones, aerophones, idiophones, and electrophones. These instruments are very popular because you can play multiple notes at a time. They are very useful as an accompaniment for a solo, an aid in composition, or for teaching musical theory.

Keyboard Instruments in the Baroque Period

During the Baroque period, keyboard instruments were mainly used for solos and figured bass parts. In this time, there were two types of keyboards that composers had; clavichords and harpsichords.

Clavichords 

 The clavichord is an instrument that was mainly used as an aid in music from the late Medieval throughout the Renaissance, Classical and Baroque periods. The source of the sound comes from a tangent, which is a metal blade. The tangent strikes the strings, which are made out of brass or iron and vibrations are transferred to the soundboard through the bridge.

The clavichord was created in the 14th century and was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 1840s it became less popular, however it was in the late 1890s that Arnold Dolmetsch brought back the clavichord into music.

Clavichords do not have enough sound to be played in chamber music, however they can provide an accompaniment to flute. Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach’s son, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach were players of the clavichord. Today, clavichords are only played by very few.

Harpsichords

 The sound of a harpsichord was made by quills, used to pluck the strings after a key was hit. The tone of this instrument was louder than the clavichord, although it was unable to make dynamics like the clavichord could. The harpsichord was used in solos and was one of the more popular instruments in the Baroque era.

The harpsichord was invented in the 14th century. Italy was the prime constructer of this instrument by the 1500s. The Rucker family also produced the harpsichord, however theirs were heavier and the tone was more unique.

In the 16th century, the first piece of music was written for the harpsichord. Music for this instrument was being written everywhere in Europe, including but not limited to Italy, Germany, England, and France. As well as solos, the harpsichord was also used for accompaniment. Unfortunately, by the 18th century, the harpsichord was replaced by the piano.

 Conclusion 

In conclusion, keyboard instruments were very important to the Baroque Period. Their distinct sound helped to make the baroque music what it is. Harpsichords and clavichords were valuable instruments to solos and accompaniments and are even occasionally used to this day.

Clavichord Music Sample:

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