List of period instruments
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Hillclavichord.jpg/240px-Hillclavichord.jpg)
The clavichord is an example of a period instrument.
In the historically informed performance movement, musicians perform classical music using restored or replicated versions of the instruments for which it was originally written. Often performances by such musicians are said to be "on authentic instruments".
This article consists of a list of such instruments in the European tradition, including both instruments that are now obsolete and early versions of instruments that continued to be used in later classical music.
Renaissance (1400–1600)[]
Regal, c. 1600, from Frauenfeld Abbey, Switzerland
Strings[]
- Violin
- Viol
- Viola
- Cello
- Lira da braccio
- Contrabass
- Violone
- Lute
- Theorbo
- Archlute
- Gittern
- Mandore
- Harp
- Cittern
- Vihuela
Woodwinds[]
Brasses[]
Keyboards[]
- Clavichord
- Harpsichord
- Regal
- Virginal
- Ottavino
- Organ
Percussion[]
Baroque (1600–1750)[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Baroque_violin_and_Violoncello_da_spalla.jpg/400px-Baroque_violin_and_Violoncello_da_spalla.jpg)
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[]
- Violino piccolo
- Violin
- Viol
- Viola da gamba
- Viola
- Viola d'amore
- Viola pomposa
- Tenor violin
- Cello
- Violoncello piccolo
- Contrabass
- Colascione
- Violone
- Lute
- Theorbo
- Archlute
- Angélique
- Mandore
- Mandolin
- Baroque guitar
- Harp
- Hurdy-gurdy
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Harpsichord_VitalJulianFrey.jpg/250px-Harpsichord_VitalJulianFrey.jpg)
A double-manual harpsichord after (1749)
Woodwind[]
- Baroque flute
- Chalumeau
- Kortholt (also known as Cortholt, Curtall, Oboe family)
- Dulcian
- Baroque oboe
- Rackett
- Recorder
- Oboe d'amore
- Oboe da caccia
- Contrabassoon
- Taille
- Cor anglais
Brasses[]
Keyboards[]
Percussion[]
- Drum
- Timpani
- Cymbals
- Bass drum
- Tabor
- Snare drum
Classical (1750–1820)[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Clarinet_4_key_anon_Bate_%281%29.jpg/70px-Clarinet_4_key_anon_Bate_%281%29.jpg)
A Classical 4-key boxwood clarinet, ca. 1760
Strings[]
Woodwinds[]
- Basset clarinet
- Basset horn
- Clarinette d'amour
- Clarinet
- Chalumeau
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Contrabassoon
- Cor anglais
Keyboards[]
- Clavichord
- Harpsichord
- Spinet
- Fortepiano (early Piano)
- Organ
Brasses[]
- Buccin
- Ophicleide—a Serpent replacement, precursor of the Tuba
- Natural trumpet
- Natural horn
- Trombone
- Post horn
- Cornet
Percussion[]
- Drum
- Timpani
- Cymbals
- Bass drum
- Snare drum
See also[]
External links[]
- Early musical instruments
- Historical Brass Instruments as described by Antique Sound Workshop, Ltd.
Categories:
- Historically informed performance
- Lists of musical instruments