Abstract
Keyboard instruments provide the extreme cases of wide or narrow dynamic ranges. The harpsichord mechanism apparently has a fixed dynamic level, aside from registration changes. But performers do claim to have some expressive control, and it may be asked whether measureable physical differences can be demonstrated. The pipe organ uses both swell box shades and registration changes, and what may be typical sound level differences involved will be discussed. The clavichord and piano are both more akin to other instruments in having output strongly dependent on the force with which the keys are struck. Comparisons among these cases raise questions about how much perceived musical dynamics depends on mere loudness, and how much on timbre, articulation, and other aspects of the musical performance.
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