Menno Van Delft Speelt Pedaalclavichord

Historical sounds come back to life

In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, it was common to write music for keyboard instruments without naming a specific instrument. Johann Sebastian Bach owned a clavichord, which emphasizes the versatility of this instrument. Menno van Delft, known from previous performances at the Orgelpark on organ, harpsichord, and pianoforte, now plays a pedal clavichord with works by various composers, including Bach.

Discover the subtle dynamics

The clavichord is known for its soft sound and subtle dynamic possibilities. This is due to the unique action of metal tangents against the strings. Unlike a harpsichord, where the string is plucked, or a piano, where the hammer springs back immediately, the tangent on a clavichord remains pressed against the string as long as you hold down the key. This creates a special and historic sound experience.

A unique combination of instruments

During the concert, Menno van Delft combines three special instruments. You will hear a pedal clavichord from 2022, built by Andreas Hermert in Berlin. In addition, he plays an original unbound clavichord from 1803 by Johann Paul Kraemer and Sons of Göttingen, and a bound instrument from 1991, made by Geert Karman in Amsterdam, based on 18th-century examples. This combination offers a wide range of timbres.