Baroque Keyboard

Instruments

Clavichord
The clavichord was invented in the early 1300s. The clavichord is
only used as a solo instrument in households, as it is a very quiet
instrument. The clavichord was very popular throughout the
Renaissance; however it gradually began to decline in popularity.
As sound is created through vibrations, the loudness of the tone
never reached more than a forte and the loudest possible note
would be created depending on how quickly the key was pressed.

Harpsichord
The earliest harpsichords date back to 1397, however they were
not known as harpsichords until 1607. Like the clavichords, the
harpsichords sound is based on air vibrations. The earliest
surviving harpsichord is an Italian one built in 1515. Harpsichords
were elaborately decorated, with many painted scenes.

Virginal
Another early Baroque keyboard instrument which was popular all
over Europe, the Virginals were mainly played by women, and
were popular in many households. In England, they eventually
gave way to the spinet; however virginals remained popular in
Germany, Austria and other countries.
The name is not derived from Virgin Queen Elizabeth as virginals
were being played 50 years before her birth. The name is most
probably derived from the Latin word virga meaning rod or
jack. Often beautifully decorated, most virginals were similar in
size to that
of a clavichord and
made
of
different types of
wood.

Spinet
The spinet was a small version of the harpsichord, worked in the
same way as one, and was extremely popular in Renaissance
Europe, most notably in France and England. Like the harpsichord,
the natural keys were black, and the accidentals white. The leg of
mutton spinet was the popular spinet in England, as it was
narrower and smaller. It was invented in 1631 by Girolamo Zenti,
a man of Italian origin.