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Vol. 86 July 18, 2026 No. 19

Fetis

music historian

Biography

Fetis is cited in the text as a music historian and authority on the origins of keyboard instruments. According to him, the clavicytherium — an early triangular, harp-shaped keyed instrument sounded by plucking with a quill plectrum — was invented in Italy around 1300, and was subsequently copied and refined by German makers, whose efforts eventually led to the development of the clavichord. No other biographical details are given about him in this section of the text.

Highlights

  • Believed the clavicytherium was invented in Italy about 1300 and later copied and improved by German makers.

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 29.

Public domain.

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