Introduction
Keyboard musical instruments are defined as objects that comprise a series of keys or depressible levers that produce musical notes. These keyboards contain different set of keys (ranging from large, long, medium, small and short) dedicated to 12 notes of Western Music. This set is repeated at a regular distance of an octave. In this article, we shall learn some interesting facts about different keyboard machines.
History
Principle:
When the user hits a key present on a conventional keyboard, the device is said to produce harmonies using different methods like—mechanically striking tines or strings, plucking individual strings at a time, striking bells using a hammer or blowing air through an enclosed pipe. Nowadays, electrical keyboard musical instruments include electric boards where individual keys are connected to electric current that causes sound production.
Types:
Popular examples of keyboard musical instruments include pianos, clavichords, harpsichords, carillons, organs, Hammond’s organs, synthesizer, electronic piano and digital piano.
Origin:
The discovery of first keyboard containing device is credited to Italian musician Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1709, Florence. He invented a conventional piano and named it gravecembalo col piano e forte which worked on natural notes. It was later modified in 1726 and chromatic notes were added to give birth to modern day instruments. The use of upright pianos became prevalent in 18th century and soon keyboard musical instruments started being used for operas, church songs and concerts.
Features
Types:
Clavichord originates from monochord. It was developed in 18th century and comprises of stringed keys of same size. They were played by great composers such as Carl Philip Emanuel Bach during public operas.
Harpsichords are wing shaped devices which were believed to descend from psaltery (a hand operated tool which is plucked using plectrum). Nothing much is known about these gadgets however they were made popular by Jean Philippe Rameau and J.S. Bach.
Organ is simplest of all keyboard musical instruments which rely on the power of air. Keys are connected to compressed air chambers. When the musicians hit different levers, air is released with force, inside a confined metallic tube to produce distinct notes. It is a traditional church instrument which can sustain indefinite musical notes.
Pianos are wooden desks comprising of stringed keys that have knob like hammers on their end. These hammers strike on metallic plates to produce sound. These keyboard musical instruments come in upright, desktop and portable models.
Synthesizers or electric pianos were first invented by Elisha Gray in 1974 however several modifications were made to its structure and mechanism by later scientists like Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes. They include 6 elements: user software, keyboard rhythm generators, amplifiers, speakers and sound producer.
Lastly electric keyboard musical instruments are based on the principles of electricity. They make use of a complete circuit that is operated via user software. They can imitate sounds of drum sets and mouthorgan. They’ve the same function and components as present in synthesizer.
Tips and comments
So, these were the most commonly used keyboard musical instruments. Most of them are used for educative or entertainment purposes. In case you wish to learn how to play these devices, you can enroll yourself for a course. Most music shops, centers, schools and colleges run courses for this purpose.
