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Historical Keyboards and Their Music
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Flashcards
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Ottavino
A small harpsichord that could be placed on top of a larger harpsichord; it produces a higher pitch. Composers do not typically write specifically for it, but it was used in ensemble with other keyboards.
Square Piano
An early piano with a square-shaped body and horizontal strings. Johann Christian Bach and John Broadwood are associated with improving the design of square pianos.
Muselar
A type of virginal where the keyboard is positioned to the right side of the case, and the strings are plucked near their center. Known for its rich, resonant tone. Lesser-known in terms of composer associations.
Celesta
A struck idiophone operated by a keyboard, known for its bell-like tone. It was invented in the late 19th century, and composers like Tchaikovsky featured it in works like 'The Nutcracker' Suite.
Clavichord
A small keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking brass or iron strings with small metal tangents. Composers such as Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Johann Froberger have composed for this instrument.
Chamber Organ
A small organ suitable for domestic settings or small venues, often featuring only one manual and a limited set of pipes. Composers such as Henry Purcell composed pieces that could be played on chamber organs.
Virginal
A smaller and simpler form of the harpsichord with one string per note and a quieter sound. Composers like William Byrd and John Bull wrote music for the virginal.
Spinet
A small harpsichord with the strings set at an angle to the keys, known for its compact shape. Not as commonly featured by specific composers, but used in domestic music making.
Pianoforte
Early version of the piano where the strings are struck by a hammer; allowed for dynamic variation. Mozart and Beethoven composed for the pianoforte.
Tangent Piano
A keyboard instrument where the strings are struck by tangents without the escapement mechanism of clavichords, enabling stronger attack and sustain. It's a transitional instrument with no major composers associated.
Harpsichord
A stringed keyboard instrument which produces sound by plucking strings when keys are pressed. Composers like J.S. Bach and Handel are well-known for their work for this instrument.
Fortepiano
An early piano, very similar to the pianoforte, with a lighter construction and a softer, more delicate tone. Mozart and Haydn were among the composers who wrote for it.
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