Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the significant improvement made by Johann Andreas Stein to the piano design?
What was the significant improvement made by Johann Andreas Stein to the piano design?
- Development of the 'Viennese piano' (correct)
- Designing the first grand piano with a harpsichord case
- Creation of the Double Escapement action
- Introduction of the iron frame
What invention allowed for rapid key repetitions in early 1800s pianos?
What invention allowed for rapid key repetitions in early 1800s pianos?
- Harpsichord case
- Double Escapement action (correct)
- Soft pedal
- Iron frame
Which family is associated with owning one of the first pianos?
Which family is associated with owning one of the first pianos?
- Backers family
- Medici family (correct)
- Cristofori family
- Steinway family
Which instrument likely influenced the development of the hammered dulcimer?
Which instrument likely influenced the development of the hammered dulcimer?
Which component of a grand piano is primarily responsible for making the notes sound softer?
Which component of a grand piano is primarily responsible for making the notes sound softer?
What type of string configuration primarily affects the tone and resonance of grand pianos?
What type of string configuration primarily affects the tone and resonance of grand pianos?
Who were the designers of the first grand piano with a harpsichord case?
Who were the designers of the first grand piano with a harpsichord case?
In which century did the harpsichord first appear in written records?
In which century did the harpsichord first appear in written records?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of grand pianos?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of grand pianos?
Which event marked the beginning of the industrial production of grand pianos?
Which event marked the beginning of the industrial production of grand pianos?
Flashcards
Grand Piano
Grand Piano
A large piano known as the 'king of instruments', with over seven octaves.
Harpsichord
Harpsichord
A plucked string instrument popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Clavichord
Clavichord
A stringed keyboard instrument that influenced the piano's design.
Viennese Piano
Viennese Piano
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Double Escapement
Double Escapement
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Baby Grand
Baby Grand
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Concert Grand
Concert Grand
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Soft Pedal
Soft Pedal
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Sostenuto Pedal
Sostenuto Pedal
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Damper/Sustain Pedal
Damper/Sustain Pedal
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Study Notes
Grand Piano History
- The piano, known as the "king of instruments", has a wide range of notes spanning over seven octaves.
- The word "piano" is short for "pianoforte", indicating the ability to play softly (piano) or loudly (forte).
- The piano evolved from earlier instruments like the clavichord and harpsichord.
- Early pianos were primarily found in royal courts and wealthy households in Europe.
- Many early pianos were ornate.
Grand Piano Range
- Grand pianos come in various sizes, from baby grands (5 ft 4 in or smaller) to concert grands (up to 9 ft 10 in).
- Larger pianos have longer strings, especially bass strings, resulting in a richer and more resonant tone.
Piano Mechanisms
- The soft pedal modifies the notes to sound softer.
- A sostenuto pedal lets previously played notes sustain while allowing subsequent notes to sound normally.
- A damper pedal sustains all notes played.
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