Clavichord

Exhibit of the Month 8 / 2023

     The clavichord is a keyboard instrument that appeared on the European continent in the early 14th century. It became particularly characteristic of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and partially of Classicism. Its advantages were utilized even in the adult age by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Due to its intimate, soft, and quiet sound, as well as its financial accessibility, it was a popular instrument especially in private settings, suitable for accompanying singing or the transverse flute, as well as a useful tool for practical teaching or composing music. 

     The popularity of the clavichord also reached the area of the northwestern Podkrušnohoří. This is evidenced by the inventories of personal property of the monks of the Osek monastery, which mention clavichords in the possession of the religious brothers Franz and Francisco in the year 1675 (in this case without specifically documented dating), or in 1722, a clavichord inherited by brother Stephan from the spiritual father Hyacinth. It undoubtedly also existed in the private ownership of the noble Valdštejn family and certainly of the Bílina Lobkovic family. Its presence can also be expected in the households of wealthy burghers and, of course, in the inventories of essential equipment for municipal schools.

     Several clavichords (approximately three to four instruments) have also physically survived in the territory of northwestern Bohemia (Duchcov, Most/Horní Litvínov, Osek). One of them is now part of the collection of the Regional Museum and Gallery in Most. It is an instrument that, according to an additional inscription, crudely executed on the inside of the top plate (lid), originally belonged to Ferdinand Dorn from Horní Litvínov. Aside from a few not-so-successful repairs, it is a relatively well-preserved specimen with several very interesting original details, which among other things testify to intensive, long-term use (for example, wear on individual keys of the keyboard). Its age can thus be preliminarily established in the first half of the 18th century. It would undoubtedly be beneficial for this clavichord to receive closer attention, preferably in the form of a detailed, professionally conducted expertise! However, we will have to wait some time for its realization and subsequent final report.

Text: Milan Černý

Photo: Pavel Krásenský