CLAVICEMBALO Meaning and
Definition
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Clavicembalo refers to a musical instrument that dates back to the Baroque period in Western music. The term is mainly used in Italian and Spanish, and it is typically translated as "harpsichord" in English, though there are slight differences between the two instruments.
A clavicembalo is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with small quills or plectra whenever a key is pressed. It features a set of strings, usually made of brass or iron, which are stretched horizontally above the keyboard. The strings are divided into different registers, each producing a distinct timbre or tone quality. The length of the strings determines their pitch, with longer strings producing lower notes and shorter strings producing higher notes.
While similar in construction to a piano, the clavicembalo differs in mechanism. When a key is pressed on a piano, a hammer strikes the string to produce sound, whereas on a clavicembalo, the plucking mechanism results in a more delicate and nuanced timbre. This characteristic made it a preferred instrument during the Baroque era, where its expressive capabilities were well-suited for the performance of intricate ornaments and melodies prevalent in that musical style.
The clavicembalo became popular in the 16th century and enjoyed significant use until the late 18th century when it was gradually replaced by the piano. Today, clavicembalo instruments are still crafted by specialized artisans and remain important in historically informed performance practices of Baroque music.
Common Misspellings for CLAVICEMBALO
- xlavicembalo
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- clavucembalo
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Etymology of CLAVICEMBALO
The word "clavicembalo" is of Italian origin and comes from two Latin words: "clavicula", meaning "key", and "cymbalum", meaning "stringed instrument".
"Clavicula" refers to a small key or lever, while "cymbalum" originally referred to a large, bowl-shaped percussion instrument. The term evolved to denote any musical instrument with strings that are struck or plucked, including keyboard instruments like the clavicembalo.
Over time, "clavicembalo" became the Italian term specifically for a harpsichord, a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with small quills. The word "clavicembalo" is also related to the German word "Klavier", the French word "clavecin", and the English word "clavichord", all of which refer to various types of keyboard instruments.
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