Ancient Keyboard Instruments That Shaped the Modern Piano

I’m Robert Estrin. Welcome to LivingPianos.com. Have you ever heard of a keyboard instrument that can play the notes between the keys of a piano? Or one that stands upright like a bookshelf? Today, we’re taking a journey into the fascinating world of early keyboard instruments—each one a stepping stone on the path to the modern piano. And wait until you hear about the last one—it’ll blow your mind!

The Clavicymbalum: An Early Harpsichord Prototype

Let’s begin with a remarkable instrument dating back to the 14th century. A direct ancestor of the harpsichord, the Clavicymbalum combined a keyboard interface with a plucked string mechanism—so when you pressed a key, a plectrum would pluck a string, producing a bright and resonant tone. What made it stand out? It had no dampers. So even after you lifted your fingers off the keys, the strings would continue to ring out naturally, creating a lingering, ethereal sound that would fill medieval halls.

This simple yet elegant design set the stage for the development of more advanced plucked keyboard instruments like the virginal and, eventually, the harpsichord.

The Clavicytherium: An Upright Marvel

Next, let’s talk about the Clavicytherium—think of it as a vertical harpsichord. Instead of the strings lying flat like most keyboard instruments, the strings and soundboard stood upright, facing the player. Not only did this design save space, but it also created a more direct sound.

Of course, this vertical layout introduced mechanical challenges. For instance, the part that plucks the strings—the jack—needed a complex mechanism to return to its resting position, since gravity couldn’t help as it does in horizontal instruments.

One of the earliest known examples of the Clavicytherium, dating back to the 1480s, is housed at the Royal College of Music in London. If you’re ever in the area, it’s well worth a visit!

The Archicembalo: A Keyboard From the Future

And now, the instrument that truly defies expectations: the Archicembalo, invented by Nicola Vicentino in 1555. This extraordinary creation was centuries ahead of its time—and in many ways, still is. What sets it apart? It features two manuals (keyboards), each with 36 keys per octave. Yes, you read that right—thirty-six! That’s three times the number of keys per octave found on a standard piano.

Why so many keys? The Archicembalo was designed to explore microtonality—the notes between the notes. This opened the door to tuning systems and scales that are completely impossible on today’s modern instruments. Vicentino created it specifically to delve into the chromatic and harmonic genres of ancient Greek music, offering expressive possibilities that were truly ahead of their time.

More Than Just Curiosities

These instruments aren’t just historical oddities. They are milestones in the evolution of musical expression. They remind us that the search for new sounds and deeper expressiveness isn’t just a modern pursuit—it’s as old as music itself.

So, the next time you sit down at your piano, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind it—a legacy of innovation, exploration, and expressive possibility that spans centuries of keyboard evolution.

Thanks for joining me on this musical time travel. Be sure to subscribe for more explorations into the fascinating world of keyboard instruments and piano. See you next time here at Living Pianos, Your Online Piano Resource!