A fortepiano is an early version of the modern piano that was popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It features a lighter, more delicate sound compared to modern pianos and has a smaller, lighter frame and a different action mechanism. The fortepiano has a distinct timbre with a more pronounced attack and a clearer, more focused tone. It is commonly used in performances of classical and early romantic music to accurately replicate the sound and style of the music from that era. The fortepiano offers a unique historical perspective on piano music and performance practice.

What is a "fortepiano"?

fortepiano

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A tangent piano is an early type of piano that uses metal tangents to strike the strings, rather than hammers. Each tangent is a small, metal rod that makes contact with the strings to produce sound. The instrument has a distinct, clear tone and a more direct sound compared to modern pianos. The tangent piano was developed in the 18th century and is known for its unique sound characteristics and historical significance. It is often used in performances and recordings to achieve an authentic sound for music from its period.

What is a "tangent piano"?

tangent piano

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A piano is a large, versatile keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers when the keys are pressed. It has a range of 88 keys, including both white and black keys, which control the pitch and volume of the notes. The piano can play both melody and accompaniment, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres. Its rich, resonant tones and dynamic range allow it to be used in solo performances, ensembles, and as an accompaniment for singers or other instruments. The piano is a central instrument in classical, jazz, pop, and many other musical styles.

What is a "piano"?

piano

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An accordion is a portable musical instrument with a bellows and a series of keys or buttons on both sides. When the player expands and contracts the bellows, air flows over metal reeds inside the instrument, producing sound. The keys or buttons control which reeds are sounded, allowing the player to produce different notes. Accordions come in various types, such as piano accordions, which have piano-style keys, and button accordions, which use buttons instead. The instrument is used in many musical genres, including folk, polka, and classical music, and is known for its distinctive, rich sound and versatility.

What is an "accordion"?

accordion

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An organ is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by forcing air through a series of pipes. It typically has multiple keyboards, known as manuals, and a set of foot pedals that control different sets of pipes. When a key is pressed or a pedal is activated, air flows through the pipes to produce various pitches. The organ is known for its rich, powerful sound and its ability to create a wide range of tones and effects. It is commonly used in churches, concert halls, and theatres, and is valued for its capacity to provide both melodic and harmonic support in musical performances.

What is an "organ"?

organ

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A harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with small plectrums when the keys are pressed. It typically has a wooden case and strings stretched across a frame. Unlike the piano, which uses hammers to strike the strings, the harpsichord's plucking action gives it a distinctive, bright, and somewhat metallic sound. It was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods and is known for its role in early classical music. The harpsichord’s clear, articulate tones make it ideal for playing intricate, ornamental music.

What is a "harpsichord"?

harpsichord

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A bowed clavier is a historical keyboard instrument in which strings are bowed rather than struck or plucked. When the keys are pressed, a mechanism causes a set of strings to be bowed by a rotating wheel or another device, producing a sound similar to a string instrument. This instrument was designed to offer the rich, resonant tones of bowed strings with the convenience of a keyboard. It was used primarily during the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, and is known for its unique, smooth sound.

What is a "bowed clavier"?

bowed clavier

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A clavichord is a small, early keyboard instrument where sound is produced by striking strings with small metal blades called tangents. The strings are stretched over a wooden frame, and when a key is pressed, the tangent hits the string, causing it to vibrate and produce sound. The clavichord has a soft, delicate tone and allows for expressive dynamics and subtle variations in volume. It was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods and is valued for its ability to provide nuanced, intimate performances. Its compact size and responsive touch make it suitable for solo practice and chamber music.

What is a "clavichord"?

clavichord

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A clavicymbalum is an early keyboard instrument with a set of strings that are struck by hammers when the keys are pressed. The instrument features a keyboard layout where each key controls a hammer that hits a string to produce sound. The clavicymbalum is known for its bright, resonant tone and was used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It offers a unique sound and was popular in European music for its distinctive, clear tone and expressive capabilities.

What is a "clavicymbalum"?

clavicymbalum

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A lautenwerck is a historical keyboard instrument from the Baroque period that combines features of both the lute and the harpsichord. It has a set of strings that are plucked by small plectrums when the keys are pressed. The lautenwerck's strings are arranged inside a wooden case, and its design aims to replicate the warm, resonant sound of a lute while providing the convenience of a keyboard. It is known for its rich, mellow tone and was used primarily in 17th and 18th-century music. The lautenwerck offers a unique and expressive sound that enhances its musical versatility.

What is a "lautenwerck"?

lautenwerck

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A claviharp is a rare historical keyboard instrument that combines features of both the harpsichord and the harp. It has a set of strings that are plucked by mechanisms when the keys are pressed, similar to the harpsichord, but the strings are arranged in a manner akin to those of a harp. This instrument is known for its distinctive, bright sound and was used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The claviharp's unique design allows it to produce a clear, resonant tone with a characteristic blend of timbres, offering a unique alternative to other keyboard instruments of its time.

What is a "claviharp"?

claviharp

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A button accordion is a type of portable keyboard instrument that uses buttons instead of keys to produce sound. It has a set of buttons arranged in rows on one or both sides of the instrument. When the player presses a button, it opens a valve to allow air to flow over reeds inside the accordion, creating sound. The instrument has a pair of expandable and contractible sides that push air through the reeds. Button accordions are often used in folk, traditional, and regional music styles, offering a distinctive sound and a wide range of musical possibilities.

What is a "button accordion"?

button accordion

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A diatonic button accordion is a type of button accordion that is designed to play in specific keys, typically featuring a limited number of buttons that produce notes in a single scale. It has a set of buttons arranged on one or both sides, with each button producing different pitches depending on whether the bellows are being pushed or pulled. This type of accordion is commonly used in folk and traditional music and is known for its characteristic sound and ease of use within its specific key or range. The diatonic button accordion's design allows for quick, expressive playing in its designated musical scale.

What is a "diatonic button accordion"?

diatonic button accordion

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A piano accordion is a type of accordion that features a keyboard similar to a piano on the right side, with black and white keys. It has bellows that expand and contract to push air through reeds, which produce sound when a key is pressed. On the left side, it typically has buttons that control the bass and chords. The piano accordion combines the versatility of a piano with the portability of an accordion, making it popular in various musical genres, including folk, classical, and contemporary music. Its design allows for a wide range of melodic and harmonic possibilities.

What is a "piano accordion"?

piano accordion

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A calliope is a steam-powered musical instrument that produces sound using a series of large, tuned whistles or pipes. When steam or compressed air is forced through these pipes, they emit loud, distinctive notes. The calliope is often associated with circus and fairground music due to its powerful, melodious sound that can be heard from a distance. It is typically operated by a keyboard or a roll mechanism, allowing for a range of musical compositions to be played. The calliope's bright, resonant tones and its visually impressive appearance make it a unique and memorable instrument.

What is a "calliope"?

calliope

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A claviola is a unique musical instrument that combines features of both keyboard and wind instruments. It consists of a small, portable keyboard with keys that control a set of metal reeds, similar to those found in an accordion. When a key is pressed, air is directed through the reeds, producing a sound. The claviola is known for its distinctive, rich tone and is often used in various genres of music to add a unique, melodic sound. It is valued for its versatility and ability to produce expressive, resonant notes.

What is a "claviola"?

claviola

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A concertina is a small, hand-held accordion-like instrument with a hexagonal or oval shape. It consists of a set of metal reeds inside a bellows. When the bellows are pushed or pulled, air flows through the reeds, creating sound. The instrument has buttons on both ends that control which reeds are played, allowing the musician to produce a range of notes. Concertinas are used in various musical styles, including folk, traditional, and classical music, and are known for their distinct, expressive sound and portability.

What is a "concertina"?

concertina

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A reed organ is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by blowing air through metal reeds, similar to those in a harmonica. The organ has a set of keys that control which reeds are activated, and it uses a bellows, either manually operated or powered by a motor, to push air through the reeds. The resulting sound is rich and resonant, with a tone that can vary depending on the specific reeds used and the design of the instrument. Reed organs were commonly used in homes and churches in the 19th and early 20th centuries and are valued for their warm, expressive sound.

What is a "reed organ"?

reed organ

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A pump organ is a type of reed organ that uses a manual pump mechanism to supply air to the reeds. It has a keyboard similar to a piano, and when the player presses the keys, air is directed through metal reeds to produce sound. The air is supplied by foot-operated bellows, which the player pumps with their feet to generate the necessary airflow. The pump organ was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in homes and churches, due to its relatively simple construction and warm, resonant tone.

What is a "pump organ"?

pump organ

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A pipe organ is a large, complex keyboard instrument that produces sound by directing air through a series of pipes. Each pipe is tuned to a specific pitch, and the sound is created as air passes through the pipes, which can be made of various materials such as wood or metal. The organ has multiple keyboards, called manuals, and a pedalboard, which allows the player to control different sets of pipes and produce a wide range of tones and volumes. Pipe organs are commonly used in churches, concert halls, and large public spaces, and they are known for their powerful, rich sound and versatility.

What is a "pipe organ"?

pipe organ

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A celesta is a keyboard instrument that produces sound with metal bars struck by hammers. The bars are arranged in a manner similar to a piano keyboard, and when the player presses a key, a hammer hits the corresponding bar, which then vibrates to produce a bright, bell-like tone. The sound is enhanced by resonators beneath the bars. The celesta is known for its delicate, shimmering sound and is often used in orchestras and various musical compositions to add a magical or ethereal quality.

What is a "celesta"?

celesta

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A dulcitone is a keyboard instrument similar in design to a small piano but with a distinct method of sound production. It features metal bars that are struck by hammers when the keys are pressed. The bars are tuned to specific pitches and produce a soft, bell-like tone. The sound is resonated through metal tubes or chambers beneath the bars. The dulcitone is valued for its warm, gentle sound and is used in a variety of musical contexts, including classical compositions, folk music, and as a unique timbre in modern arrangements.

What is a "dulcitone"?

dulcitone

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A harmonium is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by pushing air through metal reeds. It has a set of keys similar to a piano, and when a key is pressed, air is directed through a specific reed, creating a sound. The air is supplied by a set of bellows that are operated either by hand or foot. The harmonium is commonly used in Indian classical music, devotional music, and various folk traditions. It is known for its warm, rich tone and its ability to provide both melodic and harmonic support in musical performances.

What is a "harmonium"?

harmonium

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A barrel organ is a mechanical keyboard instrument that plays music by turning a crank or a handle, which rotates a barrel or cylinder with pinned holes. These pins control the opening of valves that allow air to flow through pipes or reeds, producing sound. The instrument's music is typically pre-programmed on the barrel, which contains a series of holes or pegs that trigger different notes. Barrel organs are often used in street performances and fairs, known for their distinctive, charming sound and the ability to play a variety of tunes automatically.

What is a "barrel organ"?

barrel organ

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A spinet is a small, compact type of piano with a simpler and more compact design compared to larger pianos. It has a horizontal arrangement of strings and a smaller frame, making it more suitable for smaller spaces. The spinet uses a mechanism where hammers strike the strings to produce sound, similar to other pianos. Its tone is softer and less powerful than that of larger grand pianos or uprights, but it is valued for its distinct, mellow sound and its space-saving design. Spinet pianos were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and are often used in classical and early music.

What is a "spinet"?

spinet

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A glasschord is a unique musical instrument that consists of a set of glass rods or tubes, each tuned to a specific pitch. The rods are typically arranged in a row and are struck with mallets to produce sound. The instrument's design allows for a clear, resonant tone, with each glass rod producing a distinct, bell-like sound. The glasschord is known for its delicate and shimmering quality, and it is often used in contemporary and experimental music to add a distinctive, ethereal texture.

What is a "glasschord"?

glasschord

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A terpodion is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking metal bars with hammers when the keys are pressed. The bars are arranged in a row, and each one is tuned to a specific pitch. The instrument creates a bright, metallic tone with a distinctive, resonant quality. The terpodion was used primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe, and is known for its unique sound and the special texture it adds to musical compositions.

What is a "terpodion"?

terpodion

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A Wurlitzer electric piano is an instrument that creates sound using metal reeds struck by hammers. When a key is pressed, the hammer hits the reed, which vibrates and produces sound. This sound is then amplified electrically, resulting in a warm, bell-like tone. Popular from the 1950s through the 1970s, the Wurlitzer electric piano is known for its distinctive, expressive sound and was widely used in jazz, rock, and pop music. Its unique timbre and relatively compact design made it a favored choice for many musicians.

What is a "Wurlitzer electric piano"?

Wurlitzer electric piano

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A Rhodes piano is an electric keyboard instrument that produces sound using metal tines struck by hammers. When a key is pressed, the hammer hits a tine, which vibrates and creates sound. This vibration is then amplified electrically, giving the Rhodes piano its distinctive, warm, and slightly metallic tone. Developed in the 1960s, the Rhodes piano became popular in jazz, rock, and funk music due to its unique sound and versatility. It is known for its smooth, bell-like quality and was a staple in many iconic recordings.

What is a "Rhodes piano"?

Rhodes piano

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A clavinet is an electric keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking metal strings with small hammers. When a key is pressed, the hammer hits the string, causing it to vibrate. The vibration is then amplified electrically, resulting in a sharp, percussive tone. Developed in the 1960s, the clavinet is known for its distinctive, funky sound, which made it popular in genres like funk, rock, and soul. Its unique timbre and responsive touch have made it a notable instrument in many classic recordings.

What is a "clavinet"?

clavinet

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A grand piano is a large, horizontal piano with a curved shape and a full range of keys. Inside, it has a complex mechanism where hammers strike strings when the keys are pressed, creating sound. The grand piano's design allows the sound to resonate fully, producing a rich, powerful tone with a broad dynamic range. It is often used in concerts, classical music, and various other musical genres for its exceptional sound quality and expressive capabilities. The grand piano's size and shape also contribute to its ability to project sound effectively in large spaces.

What is a "grand piano"?

grand piano

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Here you will learn some English words related to keyboard instruments such as "piano", "organ", and "accordion".

English Words for "Keyboard Instruments"