Klavikordien

The Klavikordien, often referred to as the clavichord in English, is a keyboard instrument that was particularly popular in Europe from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century. It is a stringed instrument, meaning that sound is produced by striking strings.

Unlike its more robust cousin, the harpsichord, which plucks the strings, or the piano, which hammers the strings, the clavichord produces sound by striking the strings with small metal blades called tangents. These tangents are attached to the ends of the keys. When a key is pressed, the tangent rises and strikes its corresponding string, causing it to vibrate. The tangent remains in contact with the string as long as the key is held down, thus sustaining the note.

A unique feature of the clavichord is that the tangent also determines the vibrating length of the string. This means that a single string can be used for multiple notes by having different tangents strike it at different points. This design allows for a very intimate and subtle playing experience.

The clavichord is known for its quiet and delicate tone. It is not a loud instrument and was primarily used for private practice, composition, and small, intimate performances. Despite its limited volume, it offers a degree of expressive control through a technique called *Bebung*, a vibrato effect that can be achieved by subtly varying the pressure on the tangent. Composers such as C.P.E. Bach favored the clavichord for its expressive capabilities.