Piano HistoryWho invented the piano? Piano history is a fascinating story that originates from approximately 2300 years ago... it is a journey to ancient times and back again. Discover the history and development of pianos and keyboards! The piano, also called Pianoforte, is one of the most popular instruments of all times. Today it is played all over the world, and used in many different styles of music. When it was first invented around 1700 in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655–1731), the piano was called “Gravicembalo col piano e forte” or “Fortepiano”. 
Today the full name is “Pianoforte” (meaning Soft loud), and it is still called that way in some countries. But mostly it is referred to only as “Piano”. As one of the most popular instruments, the piano has gone through many transformations. The pianos and keyboards we play today have little in common regarding sound (at least!) with its forefathers. This is interesting, and rather important to think about when playing music from earlier than the 20th century; those pianos sounded very different! The “Fortepiano”, is the antique instrument that was used by for example Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. It is a historical instrument with a different build and it also has a different sound quality than the modern instruments produced today. Fortepianos (as well as other historical keyboard instruments like the Cembalo or Harpsichord) are built by specialist workshops even today and are used for recordings and performances of the music of the classical epoch for a more historically accurate sound. Piano History - The Origins and Development of the Piano:Join me in exploring the development of our favorite instrument, from it's origins until today!
The Piano- A (Very) Short History:
Video Library of the Most Famous Pianists of the 20th and 21st Century:
Other Sites of Interest:Find your favorite composer! Find out more about famous classical composers and pianists: Classical Composers Biographies of Music Geniuses Rare piano music recordings: For a wide range of rare piano music recordings, head over to Divine Art Record Co. Divine Art the Spirit of Music Return from Piano History to Piano Lessons Home Page New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave a comment in the box below.Contact | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Site Map
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