Instruments 3

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Another recent addition is the clavichord. Clavichords were the earliest keyboard instrument with strings dating to the middle ages. A small brass tangent stands at the back of each key and strikes the string directly. The lack of a mechanical action makes the instrument extremely quietly, but also extremely expressive. Unlike the harpsichord you can vary the volume and by shaking your finger on the key it is possible to get vibrato. Enormously popular in northern Europe they continued to be built in Scandanavia well into the 19th century. In the 18th century there were active builders in the American colonies, particularly amongst the Moravians.

The union pipes are an early form of the modern Irish Uilleann pipes, and started as the pastoral pipes in the early 18th century. They have a range of two octaves, and are known for their sweet, expressive sound. Originally the instrument of very wealthy gentlemen, professional players (often blind) soon began to travel the countryside performing for dances and entertaining with a variety of playing styles (early collections for the pastorals contain diverse music from jigs to minuets). The pastoral pipes had an extra 'foot' on the chanter giving it a low leading note so familiar in Scottish music.. The Irish players soon removed the foot and so the Irish technique of 'stopping' on the knee was born. This stacatto technique became a staple of Irish piping and still is, to this day.

"Jamie's Reel" from the Advocates MS, c.1760