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List of period instruments facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Hillclavichord
The clavichord is an example of a period instrument.

When musicians play classical music today, they often use modern instruments. But sometimes, they want to play the music exactly as it sounded when it was first written. This is called "historically informed performance." It means they try to use the same kinds of instruments that composers like Bach or Mozart used.

These special instruments are called "period instruments." They are either very old instruments that have been fixed up, or new instruments built to look and sound just like the old ones. This article lists some of these cool instruments from different time periods in European history. Some of these instruments are not used much anymore, while others are early versions of instruments we still use today.

Renaissance (1400–1600)

The Renaissance was a time of great art and discovery, from about 1400 to 1600. Music also changed a lot during this period. Composers wrote new kinds of songs and pieces. Musicians used instruments that were common then.

Frauenfield Abbey, Switzerland, ca 1600 - regal organ - IMG 3904
Regal, c. 1600, from Frauenfeld Abbey, Switzerland

Strings

Woodwinds

  • Cornamuse
  • Cromorne
  • Crumhorn
  • Rackett
  • Rauschpfeife
  • Recorder
  • Shawm
  • Dulcian

Brasses

Keyboards

Percussion

Baroque (1600–1750)

The Baroque period followed the Renaissance, lasting from about 1600 to 1750. This era is known for its grand and dramatic music. Famous composers like Bach and Handel wrote many pieces for these instruments.

Baroque violin and Violoncello da spalla
Baroque violin and violoncello da spalla or viola da spalla (cello like instrument often held to chest or shoulder by a strap while playing)

Strings

Harpsichord VitalJulianFrey
A double-manual harpsichord after Jean-Claude Goujon (1749)

Woodwind

Brasses

Keyboards

Percussion

Classical (1750–1820)

The Classical period, from about 1750 to 1820, brought a new style of music. It was often lighter and clearer than Baroque music. Composers like Mozart and Beethoven wrote many famous pieces during this time. Instruments also continued to change and develop.

Clarinet 4 key anon Bate (1)
A Classical 4-key boxwood clarinet, ca. 1760

Strings

Woodwinds

Keyboards

Brasses

  • Buccin
  • Ophicleide—a Serpent replacement, an early version of the Tuba
  • Natural trumpet
  • Natural horn
  • Trombone
  • Post horn

Percussion

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Instrumentos de época para niños

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List of period instruments Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.