Innovations and Evolutions: The Monochord to the Harpsichord
Structures change, as does sound. As a piano player, I decided to dive into the history of the beloved instrument. Today, I am fascinated to share about two of the piano's magical ancestors, the monochord and the harpsichord.
Between the two, I notice how the timbre of the songs are fairly different. With the addition of the levers that pluck the strings within the harpsichord, it gives it a metallic, more staccato feel. Whereas in the monochord when played by hand, the sound from the strings feels softer and more fluid. The notes ring out sort of angelically in Monochord - Healing Sound Meditation and playfully in Golden Brown.
The monochord is an instrument used both musically and scientifically, which dates back to the 6th century BC. Historically it included one string stretched over a narrow board or box, with a moveable bridge to play various notes when plucked. As time has gone on, more strings were added, creating a wider range of sound.
Listen to the monochord here!
Monochord - Healing Sound Meditation, Graziella Schazad, 2021, Germany
As we jump through time, we land at the magnificent feet of the harpsichord.
The harpsichord was invented in the late 14th century and includes a board with strings (stemming from its predecessor, the monochord). This board is encased in a large box to amplify sound, so listeners could hear more. By pressing keys on a keyboard, little levers inside the box made of wood, with quill or plastic attached pluck the strings.
Listen to the harpsichord here!
Golden Brown, The Stranglers, 1981, United Kingdom
Additionally, the dynamics differ in that the harpsichord plays each note at the same volume, as the keys make the levers lift in the same way. In the monochord, the volume varies more depending on how the artist pulls the strings or runs their fingers across them.
I think it's fascinating how the monochord is the structure within, and the innovations added to it have transformed the sound fairly significantly. Personally, I am drawn to the gliding soft feel of the monochord over the jumpy plucked vibe that is the harpsichord, but I admire how each one makes me lean in and out. Almost like the vibrations of the strings translate into my body as I listen.
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