Clavicembalus and Early Opera at La Scala

A focused look at the clavicembalus and what it reveals about early opera continuo practice at La Scala.

1/9/2026

12 min read

Clavicembalus instrument displayed in museum showcase

The clavicembalus anchors continuo culture—harmonic glue and gesture timing.

🔍 What It Reveals

Tuning temperaments: Period-appropriate temperaments and intonation.
Ensemble balance: Texture and support for vocal lines.

Museum clavicembalus

Instruments narrate practice, not just possession.

[^temperament]: Notes reference Vallotti and well-tempered systems used in archives.

🧭 Practice & Ensemble

Continuo placement: Balances audibility and blend.
Cueing: Supports recitatives and tempo.

📊 Temperament Snapshot

System	Use	Result
Vallotti	Baroque	Colorful keys
Well‑tempered	Classical	Evenness

❓ FAQ

Is tuning fixed? Depends on programme and period.
Why display keyboards? They show craft lineage.

✅ Key Takeaways

The clavicembalus is structure in sound.
Temperament choices are aesthetic decisions.

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Musicologist

Ως φίλος του Μιλάνου και της μουσικής, δημιούργησα αυτόν τον οδηγό για να βοηθήσω τους επισκέπτες να νιώσουν το πνεύμα της Σκάλας — από μεγάλες πρεμιέρες έως τη σιωπηλή τέχνη πίσω από τη σκηνή.