History of Piano: Part 2Medieval (450-1450) and Renaissance (1450-1600) KeyboardsWe continue our journey of the history of piano with medieval and renaissance keyboards.
Developed from the idea of the Harp (which of course dates back to the dawn of human kind), and using mallets to play; The Hammered Dulcimer could also be seen as an idea source for the people who eventually invented the piano and various stringed keyboard instruments. As well as the Psaltery, another ancient instrument that was popular during the Renaissance. But this instrument was plucked, like the later Harpsichords. It wasn’t until the 14th century that stringed keyboard instruments started appearing. Harp-Hydraulis-Hammered Dulcimer-Psaltery= The first keyboards!!
The first keyboard instruments:The first stringed keyboard instruments were the Virginal, a smaller version of the later Harpsichord, and the Clavichord.The strings of the Virginal as well as the Spinet- a larger version, were plucked with a quill, whereas the Clavichord strings were hit by a metal tongue, called a tangent. The keyboard instruments of the renaissance were usually used as solo instruments and the music was improvised upon. The tradition of improvising on music pieces, embellishing the notes and making up your own variations on a theme was common practice up to the end of the 19th century!
The sound of the Clavichord is very soft. It was one of J.S Bach's favorite instruments! Must have been perfect when all his children were sleeping! You can still buy copies of these historical keyboard instruments today. You can even build one yourself- if you are handy! There are "kits" that you can buy and with hard work and patience put together yourself. See how perfectly this instrument packs together as a box- relatively easy to carry along as well!
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