manual
Quick Summary
A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played by pressing keys, buttons, or levers. In Western music, these keys typically correspond to consecutive notes in the chromatic scale, running from bass to treble. The keyboard allows for playing multiple notes simultaneously or in quick succession, making it highly versatile for various musical styles, from harmonies to melodies.1
While the term "manual" can refer to a handbook or the handling of a weapon, in music, it specifically denotes a keyboard, particularly one of the multiple keyboards found on instruments like organs and harpsichords. These manuals control different divisions of the instrument, allowing for varied tonal colors and dynamics. Keyboard instruments are not typically associated with folk music and have historically been central to Western urban musical culture.2341
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organ…key on the keyboard, or manual. Organs usually possess several sets of pipes (also known as stops, or registers), however, playable from several keyboards and a pedal board. Under their control are the various ranks of wooden and metal pipes of differing length and shape. These fall into the two…
Read More…key on the keyboard, or manual. Organs usually possess several sets of pipes (also known as stops, or registers), however, playable from several keyboards and a pedal board. Under their control are the various ranks of wooden and metal pipes of differing length and shape. These fall into the two…
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keyboard instrumentStop and key mechanisms…on an organ with one manual, as so far described. For this reason, organs of more than about seven or eight stops usually have two manuals, each controlling its separate wind-chest and stops. Each manual department is self-contained, so that the organ is really a composite instrument. By prearranging the…
Read More…on an organ with one manual, as so far described. For this reason, organs of more than about seven or eight stops usually have two manuals, each controlling its separate wind-chest and stops. Each manual department is self-contained, so that the organ is really a composite instrument. By prearranging the…
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