Piano

Piano

The Piano is a musical instrument classified as a keyboard instrument of the percussion family. It was invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori around the year 1700.

History

The piano's full name in Italian is gravicèmbalo col piano e forte, meaning "harpsichord with soft and loud" but can be shortened to piano. The invention of the piano is credited to Bartolomeo Cristofori of Padua, Italy, who was employed by Ferdinando de' Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany as the Keeper of the Instruments.

Design

The piano generates sound by striking steel strings with felt hammers that immediately rebound, allowing the strings to continue vibrating at their resonant frequency. These vibrations are transmitted through a bridge to a soundboard that amplifies them.

Types of Pianos

There are two main types of pianos: the grand piano and the upright piano. The grand piano has a better sound quality than the upright piano, due to its horizontal soundboard and longer strings.

Playing the Piano

Playing the piano involves creating a flow of music by pressing the keys which moves the hammers, striking the strings. Skilled players can adjust the loudness, speed, and duration of each sound by varying the pressure and speed of key depression and release.

In Music

The piano is a crucial instrument in Western music, including classical music, jazz, blues, and many other styles. It is often used for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music, and accompaniment.

Maintenance

Pianos need regular tuning to keep them on pitch. The hammers of pianos are voiced to compensate for gradual hardening of the felt, and other parts also need periodic regulation.

See Also

• List of classical pianists
• List of jazz pianists
• Piano concerto
• Piano trio