MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: KEYBOARDS: PIANO

History
Despite their very large repertoire of music, pianos are not as old as some people think them to be. In fact, compared to some instruments, the modern piano could even be considered young! The beginnings of the modern piano didn’t develop until the early 1700’s.

The harpsichord had long been a favorite among composers during the 17th century. Aside from being an important member of chamber ensembles, the harpsichord was an important member of the orchestra. However, the harpsichord didn’t give the musician many options when it came to volume.

During the 1700’s, Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian, was trying to develop a keyboard instrument which was more responsive to the players touch than the harpsichord. What he developed was able to play loud (forte) and soft (piano). These new abilities would give it its name, fortepiano.

Over the century following the development of the fortepiano, the instrument would be continually changed until it reached its modern form, as the modern grand piano. Another form which was later developed was the modern upright. Modern upright pianos could be considered particularly young in that they weren’t truly developed until somewhere around 1800.

Around the early 1800’s, a need had formed for a cheaper piano which occupied less floor space. Although some upright pianos had been available, they were essentially grand pianos which had been put on their side. The first true upright was invented by John Isaac Hawkins in Philadelphia, around 1800.

Description
The piano could easily be considered one of, if not the most popular and versatile of all modern instruments. Aside of its ability to be incredibly expressive, the piano has a very broad pitch range which is second only to the organ. At home, the piano is an important solo and accompanying instrument. However, it is also an excellent performer in concert, be it a recital or orchestral performance.

In orchestras, the piano is usually a soloist. This is because the piano usually contrasts with the instruments, rather then blending. This is something which makes the piano unrivaled as a concerto soloist, a quality great composers from Mozart to Beethoven took advantage of.

As a member of chamber groups, the piano is an excellent one. Its range and versatility allow it to accent a performance with practically any other instrument. It can play a contrasting melody, or complete the music with chords.

In jazz and blues music, the piano is unbeatable because it’s range allows it to be a soloist or take on the bass line. In solos, usually the left hand will play chords while the right hand takes on a melody. As an accompanist, the piano will highlight the soloist with chords and fills.

Piano Variations
Fortepiano: This instrument is ancestor to the modern piano. It was developed when an Italian decided to produce a harpsichord which could play loud and soft. The result was an instrument which had hammers hitting the strings, as opposed to plucking the strings like a harpsichord.

Digital piano: This piano’s sound is produced entirely by electronic components. It has weights in its keys which give it the feel of an acoustic piano. Although not as accurate, the digital piano can sense the force used to hit the keys, and will translate this to make the note the correct volume, much like an acoustic piano would do mechanically.

Comments

The Piano is a terrific instrument. It's versatile, and beautiful. Definetely one of the greatest instruments to come out of the music world.

Comments

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Comments

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