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The clavichord is the simplest of stringed keyboard instruments. Its shape is oblong, and its sound is produced by a piece of metal striking the strings. This gives a sound that is particularly pure and direct. The clavichord's construction also enables the player to vary the sound. By varying the pressure on a string, the pitch of a note can be altered. By moving the finger with a certain intensity, a vibrato can be produced. By striking the key with varying degrees of force, a range of dynamics from piano to forte, or soft to loud can be obtained.
The instrument's origin is unknown, but mention is made of the clavichord in literature of the early 15th century. It is surmised that the instrument existed in a primitive form at least two centuries before that. Of the clavichords still in existence, no instrument dates before the early 16th century. By the 19th century the instrument had passed out of use, but a minor revival occurred in the 20th century.
In the 16th and 17th centuries clavichords had a range of 3 1/2 octaves, but by the end of the 18th century their compass had increased to 5 octaves. Germany was the source of the finest instruments, and among the best makers were members of the Silbermann family.
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