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Questions and Answers
Which statement accurately describes the early use of grand pianos in Europe?
Which statement accurately describes the early use of grand pianos in Europe?
What feature distinguishes concert grand pianos from baby grand pianos?
What feature distinguishes concert grand pianos from baby grand pianos?
Which improvement was introduced by Sébastien Erard in the early 1800s?
Which improvement was introduced by Sébastien Erard in the early 1800s?
What role does the felt-covered hammer play when a key is pressed on the piano?
What role does the felt-covered hammer play when a key is pressed on the piano?
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Which of the following materials are black keys traditionally made from?
Which of the following materials are black keys traditionally made from?
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Which pedal on the grand piano is used to sustain previously played notes?
Which pedal on the grand piano is used to sustain previously played notes?
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What significant event occurred in 1843 regarding grand pianos?
What significant event occurred in 1843 regarding grand pianos?
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Which of the following composers is NOT known for classical piano works?
Which of the following composers is NOT known for classical piano works?
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Study Notes
Grand Piano History
- Grand pianos have a history dating back to the 1300s, with the earliest written records of harpsichords and clavichords in Europe.
- Around 1700, the rich Medici family owned a piano, likely made by Bartolomeo Cristofori.
- Johann Andreas Stein developed an improved piano version in the late 1700s.
- In 1777, pianos with a harpsichord-style case ("grand pianos") were designed by John Broadwood, Robert Stodart, and Americus Backers
- 1800s saw the invention of "Double escapement" action, allowing rapid keystrokes.
- 1843 saw patents for the first full iron piano frames.
- Steinway & Sons established a prestigious piano company in 1853.
Grand Piano Characteristics
- The grand piano is known as the "king of instruments," capable of expressing a wide range of subtle sounds.
- It covers over seven octaves.
- The word "piano" means "soft," and "forte" means "loud," indicating the playability at varying volumes.
- The piano's tone and resonance are enhanced by the length of its strings, especially the bass strings in larger pianos.
Grand Piano Sizes
- Grand pianos are available in various sizes.
- The smallest is the "baby grand" (5 ft 4 in or less).
- Larger grands extend up to 9 ft 10 in (3 meters).
- The increased length results in enhanced bass tones and resonance
- Concert grands typically have the longest bass strings.
Grand Piano Action
- When a key is pressed, a felt hammer strikes a steel string, causing vibration
- The strings vibrate and create sound, with the sound amplified by the soundboard.
- The sound is produced based on the length and the thickness of the strings
- The strings are held under tension by the piano's iron frame.
- The soundboard amplifies the string vibrations.
Piano Keys
- Black and white keys, traditionally made of ebony and ivory (though now often plastic), are organized in an octave pattern.
Piano Pedals
- There exist various pedals (soft, sostenuto, and sustain). Each function differently.
- A soft pedal reduces the volume of sound
- A sostenuto pedal holds previously played notes, and a sustain pedal keeps all notes sounding.
Notable Piano Composers
- Classical and romantic composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, and Clara Schumann produced significant piano music.
Notable Pianists
- Several notable pianists, like Vladimer Askanazy, Nelson Freire, and Idil Biret contributed significantly to the piano repertoire throughout their careers, and several were child prodigies.
- Oscar Peterson is another noteworthy pianist recognized as "Maharaja of the keyboard".
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Description
Explore the fascinating history and characteristics of the grand piano, from its origins in the 1300s to its development by notable figures like Bartolomeo Cristofori and Steinway & Sons in the 19th century. Learn about its unique design, capabilities, and why it is celebrated as the 'king of instruments.'
