A Brief History of the Piano

What came before the PIANO?

CLAVICHORD

-strings hammered

-notes could be sustained

-vibrato created by wiggling keys

-quieter sound

-could control volume

-used in homes, small rooms

HARPSICHORD

-strings plucked

-notes could not be sustained

-no vibrato

-second keyboard on the single instrument could be added for more sound

-no volume control

-used in chamber ensembles

When and How did it become the PIANO?

Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the pianoforte (what we know as the piano) in 1700. This date is confirmed by “an inscription made by…a court musician in Florence…in a copy of Gioseffo Zarlino’s Le istitutioni harmoniche,” a major musical text of the time.

Cristofori improved upon the shortcomings of the harpsichord and clavichord. His piano was shaped like a harpsichord. Inside was system where the strings of the piano were struck by hammers that would immediately bounce back so as not to dampen the vibrations of the strings. This and thicker strings caused bigger and unhampered vibrations, making the piano a much more versatile instrument than its ancestors, especially in terms of dynamic control.

Why was it called the PIANOFORTE?

Cristofori’s new instrument allowed for both loud and soft dynamics, so its name reflected this ability.

Edwin M. Ripin, et al. "Pianoforte." Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. 1 Apr. 2010. http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/21631