"A very rare keyboard instrument with an unusual sound"
August 8, 2023 9:20 AM Subscribe
The Tangent piano looks like a harpsichord or an 18th century Viennese fortepiano. The sound is similar to a harpsichord, a harp, or a hammered dulcimer. Occasionally, at least in my opinion, it also resembles an asthmatic fortepiano.
In the spirit of Clew's recent post on the clavicytherium, here is another keyboard rabbit hole to fall down.
Generally considered "all but extinct" (gift link, NY Times), it uses wooden tangents (small slips of wood) to produce the notes. Many were made from the mid-18th century to about 1810; only a few remain, three of which are discussed here. Amazingly, one was discovered in its original state on a German estate in 2006, restored, and then played in a concert.
Mozart
Frantisek Josef Dusik
In the spirit of Clew's recent post on the clavicytherium, here is another keyboard rabbit hole to fall down.
Generally considered "all but extinct" (gift link, NY Times), it uses wooden tangents (small slips of wood) to produce the notes. Many were made from the mid-18th century to about 1810; only a few remain, three of which are discussed here. Amazingly, one was discovered in its original state on a German estate in 2006, restored, and then played in a concert.
Mozart
Frantisek Josef Dusik
I do enjoy the sound of fortepianos and of tangent pianos too - I'd be happy if they made more of a comeback. I first heard one of the latter a few years ago on an old CD of pieces by Schobert with an 'o'. There's a more recent recording of works by CPE Bach performed by Alexei Lubimov on a tangent piano I've been meaning to get hold of too.
posted by misteraitch at 9:45 AM on August 8, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by misteraitch at 9:45 AM on August 8, 2023 [2 favorites]
Amazing instrument! Thanks for the great links, ALeaflikeStructure!
posted by mpark at 10:06 AM on August 8, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by mpark at 10:06 AM on August 8, 2023 [1 favorite]
The straight-strung grand piano on the website in TFA's first link is pretty interesting too.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:30 AM on August 8, 2023
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:30 AM on August 8, 2023
Couldn’t seem to get any chords, then I realised it was a tangent piano
posted by Phanx at 6:37 AM on August 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by Phanx at 6:37 AM on August 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
This keyboard might interest you, Phanx.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:19 AM on August 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:19 AM on August 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
This is really cool, but the sound kinda reflects its rarity. Seems like the viola of the piano family.
posted by es_de_bah at 9:49 AM on August 9, 2023
posted by es_de_bah at 9:49 AM on August 9, 2023
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posted by JoeXIII007 at 9:39 AM on August 8, 2023 [1 favorite]