The Art of the Touch

The clavichord instrument emerged in the 1400’s, as referenced to an instrument owned by John II, the Good King of France, called an eschiquier, which resembled an organ, but operated by means of strings, according to writings of the king’s doctor, Henri Arnaut. The word “Clavichord” appeared in German writings during this time, and a German altar-carving from 1425 depicts the instrument. Like the harpsichord, it combined the keyboard of the orga...