Getting acquainted with my clavichord

[Derek]

Here are a few short pieces I recorded on my clavichord the other night. My clavichord technique is thumpy and clumsy, but even so, I really enjoyed playing these. One of them came out sounding kind of ethnic or arabian or something, with vibratos. Simple though it is it really took me away when I was playing it.

[pianowolfi]

That second one sounds a bit Spanish to me

Nice! I like the simplicity.

Sometimes you tend to kill the tone, I think this might have to do with putting too much weight into the key. A few months ago I had a short encounter with an experienced clavichord player who showed me some things. He said that the touch should come from a curved finger position, with fast finger action but very light.

[keyboardclass]

He said that the touch should come from a curved finger position, with fast finger action but very light.

I thought that for the first few years but after spending some time on the 1740's Hass in the Bate Collection:

I realized you need fingers of steel - even more so than on the toughest concert piano.

Hey Derek, what a beautiful sound!  The vibrato has so much feeling behind it!  Mine are double strung and are probably more restricted on that front.  Really enjoyed your playing.

[pianowolfi]

This makes me extremely wanty...

[keyboardclass]

Here's me doing curled 'clavichord fingers' on a DP - notice how close to the edge on the white keys you have to be.  It's very important to get this right.

Here's another youtube - I messed up and dubbed clavichord sound over my 1800 square:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ewCx04_Qc

[Derek]

From what I have observed so far, I notice that my piano-playing fingers like to "let go" after they "throw the hammer." This seems to cut out the tone sometimes. If, however, I deliberately make my fingers move fluidly downwards without stopping (which may actually be correct piano technique as well, I never became that advanced at the piano either), then I can produce better tone on the clavichord. It'll take practice. @pianowolfi: I'll try the suggestion. I'll probably try to find more sources on clavichord technique as well.

Since there are no pedals, if I want a pedal-like effect I must hold down several keys at once. This makes for a tactile responsibility for sustain and legato that's actually kind of satisfying.

Another thing I've found so far that is interesting, is playing really dense clusters of tones that one might hear in post-romantic music of all kinds (jazz, atonal, etc.), the clavichord makes all the tones very clear, even in these dense clusters. It actually makes that sort of playing more interesting, for me, than it was on the piano.

[keyboardclass]

Another thing I've found so far that is interesting, is playing really dense clusters of tones that one might hear in post-romantic music of all kinds (jazz, atonal, etc.), the clavichord makes all the tones very clear, even in these dense clusters. It actually makes that sort of playing more interesting, for me, than it was on the piano.

It's so quiet you have to kinda know what you're listening for - really improves your acuity.

[furtwaengler]

These are really cool, Derek! I don't have a clavichord...I have never played a clavichord...I am jealous of your clavichord!

I hope to hear many more improvisations on this instrument.