Clavichord, << KLAV uh kawrd, >> is a keyboard musical instrument that was a forerunner of the piano. The clavichord’s tone is produced by metal blades that strike the instrument’s wire strings when keys are pressed down. The blades, called tangents, remain in contact with the strings as long as the keys are held down. This action allows the player to control the tone after the first attack by making slight changes in pitch. This is an important feature of the instrument. The word clavichord comes from the Latin words clavis, which means key, and chorda, which means string.
The clavichord dates from the 1400’s. It produces soft tones, and so it was used for musical practices and entertaining small gatherings instead of for playing in public concerts. The instrument became especially popular in Germany. During the 1700’s, the piano was developed and began to replace the clavichord.
