Clavichord vs. Harpsichord: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
The clavichord is a quiet, expressive keyboard instrument using tangent-struck strings, while the harpsichord is a louder instrument where strings are plucked by quills.
Key Differences
The clavichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with small metal blades called tangents. It is known for its soft volume and expressive dynamics, allowing players to control the volume and vibrato by varying the pressure on the keys. The harpsichord, on the other hand, produces sound by plucking strings with quills when keys are pressed. It has a brighter, more resonant sound than the clavichord and is capable of greater volume, making it suitable for larger venues and ensembles.
Clavichords are typically smaller and more portable than harpsichords, often fitting on a tabletop. They have a more limited range, usually spanning about four to five octaves. The harpsichord, being larger, can have multiple keyboards (manuals) and a wider range, often up to five octaves or more.
Playing techniques differ between the two instruments due to their mechanisms. Clavichord players can use finger pressure to produce subtle changes in pitch (vibrato) and dynamics, whereas harpsichord players focus more on articulation and ornamentation to express musical ideas, given the instrument's consistent volume.
Clavichords were popular from the Renaissance through the early Classical period, particularly for private practice and composition. Harpsichords, prominent from the Renaissance through the Baroque period, were widely used in public performances, orchestras, and as continuo instruments in ensembles.
Comparison Chart
Sound Production
Tangents strike strings
Quills pluck strings
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Volume
Soft, suitable for intimate settings
Louder, suitable for larger venues
Dynamic Control
Expressive, can control volume and vibrato
Limited, constant volume
Size and Portability
Smaller, more portable
Larger, less portable
Range
Typically 4-5 octaves
Up to 5+ octaves, can have multiple manuals
Popularity Period
Renaissance to early Classical
Renaissance to Baroque
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Clavichord and Harpsichord Definitions
Clavichord
Typically smaller and more portable than other keyboard instruments.
She placed the clavichord on her desk to practice.
Harpsichord
Widely used from the Renaissance through the Baroque periods.
Johann Sebastian Bach composed extensively for the harpsichord.
Clavichord
A keyboard instrument producing sound by striking strings with tangents.
The musician preferred the clavichord for its delicate and expressive sound.
Harpsichord
A keyboard instrument where quills pluck strings to produce sound.
The harpsichord filled the hall with its bright, resonant tones.
Clavichord
Known for its soft volume and ability to produce vibrato.
The clavichord's subtle dynamics made it perfect for intimate recitals.
Harpsichord
Lacks dynamic variation, with a constant volume regardless of key pressure.
Articulation and ornamentation are crucial in harpsichord performance.
Clavichord
Popular in the Renaissance and early Classical periods.
Composers like Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach often wrote for the clavichord.
Harpsichord
Capable of greater volume, suitable for larger venues.
The harpsichordist played a lively Baroque piece at the concert.
Clavichord
Limited in range, usually spanning four to five octaves.
The clavichord’s limited range suited solo practice rather than ensemble performance.
Harpsichord
Larger and often featuring multiple keyboards (manuals).
The double-manual harpsichord allowed for more complex pieces.
Clavichord
An early keyboard instrument with a soft sound produced by small brass wedges striking horizontal strings.
Harpsichord
A keyboard instrument whose strings are plucked by means of quills or plectrums.
Clavichord
(musical instruments) An early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades (called tangents) attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.
Harpsichord
(musical instruments) A musical instrument with a keyboard that produces sound through a mechanical process. When the performer presses a key, a corresponding plectrum plucks a tuned string. Harpsichords originated in late medieval Europe and is one of the most important instruments used to perform Baroque music.
Clavichord
A keyed stringed instrument, now superseded by the pianoforte. See Clarichord.
Harpsichord
A harp-shaped instrument of music set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. It is now superseded by the piano.
Clavichord
An early stringed instrument like a piano but with more delicate sound
Harpsichord
A clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots
FAQs
What is a clavichord?
A clavichord is a keyboard instrument where sound is produced by striking strings with tangents.
Can you control dynamics on a harpsichord?
No, the harpsichord has a constant volume regardless of key pressure.
What is a harpsichord?
A harpsichord is a keyboard instrument where sound is produced by plucking strings with quills.
Which instrument was more popular in the Baroque period?
The harpsichord was more popular in the Baroque period.
What type of sound does a clavichord produce?
The clavichord produces a delicate, nuanced sound.
What is the typical range of a clavichord?
The clavichord typically has a range of four to five octaves.
What is the typical range of a harpsichord?
The harpsichord can have a range of up to five octaves or more.
How does the volume of a clavichord compare to a harpsichord?
The clavichord is much quieter than the harpsichord.
Which instrument is more portable, the clavichord or the harpsichord?
The clavichord is more portable due to its smaller size.
Can you control dynamics on a clavichord?
Yes, the clavichord allows for expressive control of volume and vibrato.
Which instrument is more suitable for intimate settings?
The clavichord is more suitable for intimate settings.
Are clavichords often used in public performances?
Clavichords are less commonly used in public performances due to their soft volume.
Which instrument was commonly used for practice in the Renaissance period?
The clavichord was commonly used for practice in the Renaissance period.
Which instrument often features multiple keyboards?
The harpsichord often features multiple keyboards (manuals).
What type of sound does a harpsichord produce?
The harpsichord produces a bright, resonant sound.
Are harpsichords often used in orchestras?
Yes, harpsichords are often used in orchestras and for continuo in ensembles.
Which instrument allows for vibrato, the clavichord or the harpsichord?
The clavichord allows for vibrato.
What kind of music is typically played on the harpsichord?
Baroque and Renaissance music is typically played on the harpsichord.
What kind of music is typically played on the clavichord?
Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical music is typically played on the clavichord.
Which instrument is more suitable for large venues?
The harpsichord is more suitable for large venues due to its greater volume.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
