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Clavichord model for Hauptwerk
A clavichord is a
chordophone instrument. This means that its sound is produced by vibration of
the strings hit by metal blades called "tangents" which are operated by a key.
The longer the string is, the lower tone it gives. One end of the string is hard
attached to an resonator (soundboard). The other end is attached to the opposite
edge of the instrument case. The tangent is located under the string somewhere
in between its two ends. When you press the key, the tangent strikes the key and
sticks to it making itself one of the oscilation nodes (nut). The tangent
sticks to the string as long as the key is held. When you release the key, the
tangent leaves the string and its oscilations therefore stop - the tone mutes.
There are two basic types of a clavichord. Unfretted type: each tone has its own string.
Fretted type: a single string is there for two (or three)
neighbouring keys (limiting the polyphony). Usually, the strings are available
in pairs to give stronger sound. As the
tangent strikes the string in the node producing only light oscilations, it
cannot give very loud sound.In its long history
starting in the middle ages, clavichords were usually ment as home practicing
instruments. Today, its role was taken over by pianoforte. However, the
enthusiasts for early music cause certain revival of this forgotten musical
instrument. The basic information with some useful links can be
found at the Wikipedia.
The Clavichord featured here is from a private collection. It was built in
2006 after the J. J. Donat (1700), conserved in Leipzig Museum. It is a fretted type.
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