Clavichord for Beginners

1. Clavichord for All Keyboardists

1 chaPter one Clavichord for All Keyboardists At least in the beginning, the clavichord is unquestionably best suited for learning, for on no other keyboard instrument is it possible to achieve finesse in playing as well as on this one. Daniel Gottlob Türk, School of Clavier Playing (Klavierschule, 1789) What Is a Clavichord? A good clavichord is the simplest, softest, and most sensitively responsive of all keyboard instruments. Its basic structure is as follows: An oblong wooden frame contains a soundboard on the right. Attached to it are one to three bridges on which strings are stretched. These strings extend from tuning pins on the far right to hitch pins on the far left. Below and perpendicular to the strings are wooden key levers balanced on pins. When a finger presses down the key end of a lever, the opposite end of the lever automatically rises. Protruding upward from this far end is a metal tangent, which strikes and presses against a pair or triplet of strings. These strings vibrate from tangent to bridge, creating both tone and pitch. To the left of the tangents, cloth strips (listing) are woven among the strings. They block extraneous sound that might come from the left of each tangent and stop a tone when the key and its tangent are released. The clavichord is the only keyboard instrument on which a tone can be altered as long as it lasts. The initial dynamic level is determined by the strength, speed, and distance of the tangent’s (and finger’s) attack. While the tangent stays in contact with the string, the sound will bloom and then gradually fade. During that time any fluctuation in finger and tangent pressure will change the pitch and carrying power of the tone. By varying this pressure purposely once (a portato) or a number of times (a Bebung), the performer can produce special effects of great delicacy. The relationship of finger to string offers dynamic and articulative subtleties, some so small they can scarcely be perceived. The clavichord is a very personal instrument, heard most directly by the player. It is able to reflect, inspire, and deepen a player’s entire being. 2 Clavichord for Beginners Clavichord for Keyboard Beginners The earlier one begins to play the clavichord, the further one may progress . . . with regard to dexterity. For at the tenderest age, the fingers are still supple. Daniel Gottlob Türk, School of Clavier Playing In former centuries a child often began music lessons on the clavichord. The instrument was small and easily portable, the keys were short, the touch and tone were light. A child learned to listen to tones and to keep a steady pitch. Practicing did not disturb others, and little maintenance was required beyond tuning. Today the word “keyboard” usually refers to the computer. Video games, amplified sounds, and hectic schedules keep many children from having the tranquility in which to dream. The expressive clavichord can be the perfect outlet for a sensitive child. The clavichord is excellent for an adult keyboard beginner for the same reasons. Unlike the synthesizer, it stimulates a sensitivity to touch and sound. By minimizing arm weight, it builds finger awareness and a delicacy of tonal control. Above all, in this high-strung world, it can offer a quiet space for privacy, clarity, and repose. For Harpsichordists The clavichord is excellent for novices “to train their hands on the keyboard so that they may later play with more confidence and suppleness on the harpsichord.” Pierre Trichet, Traité des instruments de musique (c. 1640), quoted in Brauchli, The Clavichord FIgure 1.1 Clavichord, c. 1800. Photograph courtesy of Donna Gilhousen. 3 Clavichord for All Keyboardists A good clavichordist makes an accomplished harpsichordist, but not the reverse. The clavichord is needed for the study of good performance , and the harpsichord to develop proper finger strength. . . . Those who concentrate on the harpsichord grow accustomed to playing in only one color. The varied touch which the competent clavichordist brings to the harpsichord remains hidden from them. C. P. E. Bach, Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments Bach’s way of playing would not have been devised at all without the clavichord. . . . He who once masters this instrument plays the harpsichord quite differently from those who never touch a clavichord. Johann Friedrich Reichardt, Briefe eines aufmerksamen Reisenden (1774) It was customary in earlier periods for a keyboardist to play...