Clavisimbalum
Henri Arnaut, born either in the end of 14th century or the beginning of
15th century in Zwolle of Flanders, studied in Paris, then worked in court
as a physician. He died in 1466. In about 1440, he made a drawing of harpsichord
shaped keyboard instrument with four different speaking actions. As John
Lester interpreted, the four speaking actions include a harpsichord like
plectra and three of piano like hammer actions. It is hard to imagine a
single instrument which is equipped with all four different actions. However,
it is not clearly understood which one or two of the four, Arnaut implemented
in an actual instrument. Percussion string instruments are called in variety
of names such as Dulcimer, Psalter, Salterio, Tympanum, Kanun, Santur,
or Cymbal. Among them, the name of Cymbal reminds some relation with Clavisimbalum.
Then, apart from making an exact copy from Arnautfs drawing, an instrument
with selectable speaking actions of plectra and hammer was made.
Ref.
The Musical Mechanisms of Arnaut de Zwolle
By John Lester. The English Harpsichord Magazine Vol. 3 No3 1982
The Clavisimbalum from the Manuscript of Henri Arnaut de Zwolle, c.1440
By Carl Rennoldson (revised April 2013)