A clavichord is a small, stringed keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking brass or iron strings with small metal blades when its keys are pressed. The resulting vibrations are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard, which amplifies the sound.
The clavichord was invented in Europe in the early fourteenth century, and became very popular from the 16th century to the 18th century. However, because of its low sound volume, its use was mainly limited to small, intimate settings for solo performances and for accompanying singing as well as a practice instrument and as an aid to composing. Despite this limitation, clavichords have in recent decades regained considerable popularity, mainly among fans of early European music.