Ashley Gangaram

Piano Forte

When was the piano invented?

The piano was invented in late 17

century. It was created by an Italianinstrument maker named Bartolomeo Cristofori. The original name for the pianois Pianoforte.

Why was the piano created?

The pianoforte was created to solve 3 major problems with keyboard instruments at the time. Sowere too soft, others couldn’t sustain notes for a long period of time and manufactures wereforced to produce harpsichords with two layers of keys (one for soft and one for louder playing).

Instruments thatinfluenced the creationof the piano

The piano was invented to solve the problems of using a Harpsichord and Clavichord.

The Clavichord-

It co-existed in the 14

century with the harpsichord, but wasn’t really used andmanufactured until the 16

century. Its design is very similar to the modern day piano. Instead of the strings being plucked like the harpsichord when a key was struck. Rather it had a brass“tangent” that would strike up toward the strings. Compared to the harpsichord, when theclavichord was played it had more control on pitch and volume. One downfall with the clavichordis that it was too soft to be heard by a loud audience during a performance.

The Harpsichord-

Was the first “plucked-string” keyboard instrument. The winged shapedconstruction is identical to the modern day piano. Its origins are unknown, but it is believed tohave been designed in the 15

century by harp players who experimented with different ways of plucking the strings. It was mainly manufactured in the 16

century like other string instruments of that time. Whenever a key was played a small hook would pluck the string creating a vibration,thus making a sound. The harpsichord had, limited control on the volume and sustain of a noteplayed.

Evolution of the Piano-

Before, Then &Now

Dulcimer-It was originated in Iran not long after thebirth of Christ. It uses the basic concept of a piano,strings tuned over a flat soundboard being struck bya hammer. Instead of a mechanical hammer, thedulcimer used two light sticks with broader blades onthe ends.Clavichord-Built around 1400, but wasn’t popular until 3 centuries laterwhen used in Bach’s music. When a key is struck, avertical brass strip is lifted toward a pair of strings. Avery quiet instrument, but had some control oversustain and volume.Virginal-The virginal is a small harpsichord, with keyson a right angle attached to a set of strings. When akey is pressed a straight rod holding a leatherplectrum lifts up and plucks the string. Althoughlouder than the clavichord, it had no control of dynamic.Spinet- Originated in Italy, but was later perfected bythe English. Very similar to the Virginal, but becauseof the “wing-shaped” design, strings are longer whichcreate dynamics. It has a range of over 5 octaves.Harpsichord- Harpsichord form: Keys are in-line withthe strings. Although pictured since the 15

century, itdidn’t reach its peal until the Bach & Handel time

period. Has the shape of the modern grand, which makes stringslonger to create a louder sound than the clavichord.Pianoforte- Was created by Bartolomeo Cristofori in the17

century. Had a similar shape to the harpsichord, butinstead of the strings being plucked, they were struckwith a hammer. The Pianoforte created dynamics unlikethe previous plucked instruments.Piano of Beethoven’s time- During the 18

centurypiano builders eventually extended the keyboard. Theyalso added two new developments. The damper & softpedal and the escapement action for faster repetition of notes.Upright Piano- The upright design was already in use forthe harpsichord in the 16

century, but in the 18

centurymany builders tried to make this design work for thepianoforte. In 1800, the first decent uprights wereinvented.Square Grand Piano- Originated (around 1742) whenGerman builders tried to blend the pianoforte with theshape of the clavichord. This piano was popular until the1900’sPiano of the Romantic Era- During the 19

century, thepiano was becoming more powerful and responsive.Improvements like rapid repetition and the full cast-ironframe.Modern Grand Piano- This is the piano of today. It includesthe best features of most previous keyboard instruments(cross stringing- helps to achieve a richer tone). Themiddle pedal (sostenuto) was introduced to create“musical colouring”.