Commuted Waveguide Synthesis of the Clavichord

Abstract

Computer Music Journal, 27:1, pp. 71–82, Spring 2003 2003 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The clavichord is one of the oldest keyboard instruments, and it is still often used in performances and recordings of Renaissance and Baroque music. The sound of the instrument is pleasant and expressive but quiet. Consequently, the instrument can only be used in intimate performances for small audiences. This is the main reason why the clavichord was replaced by the harpsichord and finally by the modern piano, both of which produce a considerably louder output. Attempts have been made to amplify the sound of the clavichord using a piezoelectric pickup (Burhans 1973). One of our motivations in this research is to give the clavichord a new life in the digital world, where the faint sound level of the instrument can be amplified by simply turning a volume knob. The suggested synthesis model is based on digital waveguide modeling of string instruments (Smith 1992, 1998; Valimaki et al. 1996; Karjalainen, Valimaki, and Tolonen 1998) and uses the principle of commuted waveguide synthesis where the soundbox’s response is incorporated in the excitation signal (Smith 1993; Karjalainen and Valimaki 1993; Karjalainen, Valimaki, and Janosy 1993). Special sampling techniques are also employed. Musical examples produced using the proposed synthesizer will be included on a forthcoming Computer Music Journal CD.