What is the difference between an harpsichord and a clavecin? (or is it clavichord?). I understand one is a percussion instrument and the other one is a string instrument.
Which of these instruments was the one used by Baroque musicians, like Marin Marais, Corelli, etc.?
2006-07-14 09:28:16 · 3 answers · asked by Belindita 5 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
A clavichord is actually a keyboard dulcimer. Sound is produced by wedges at the end of the keys hitting the strings. It was extremely popular with composers like Mozart because it was extremely quiet. After the clavichord was invented the harpsichord was invented. The harpsichord was invented by a fisherman, and fishhooks are used to pluck the strings. Both fall into the string family, but the clavichord classified as a percussion instrument because, like the piano, the sound is produced by the collision of the wedges to the strings. The harpsichord on the other hand is classified as a string instrument because sound is produced by the strings being plucked. The harpsichord was used by Baroque musicians because it was louder, and therefore more practical, than the clavichord.
2006-07-14 09:51:53 · answer #1 · answered by BandGeek 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Harpsichords strings are plucked. Clavichord's strings are struck with tiny mallets. The Harpsichord was used during the Baroque period.
2006-07-14 16:31:45 · answer #2 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Harpsichord is played with a pick (or picks) and a Clavichord is played with soft-tipped mallets. Clavichords are usually a bit bigger.
2006-07-14 16:34:23 · answer #3 · answered by Rick W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋