Klaavi

Klaavi is a Finnish word that translates to "keyboard" in English. It specifically refers to the array of keys on a musical instrument, such as a piano, organ, or harpsichord, which are pressed to produce sound. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the keyboard of a typewriter or a computer, although in these contexts, "näppäimistö" is the more common Finnish term.

The arrangement of keys on a musical klaavi is typically chromatic, meaning that all twelve semitones of the octave are represented. The white keys usually represent the natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), while the black keys represent the sharps and flats. The layout has remained largely standardized over centuries, allowing musicians to transfer their skills between different instruments. The physical design and feel of a klaavi can vary significantly, influencing the playing experience and the instrument's overall tone. For example, the weighted keys of a piano offer a different tactile response than the lighter keys of a synthesizer. The historical development of the klaavi is closely tied to the evolution of keyboard instruments themselves, with significant innovations occurring throughout the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.