Podcast
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?
- They were generally used in public concerts and performances.
- They were utilized mainly in educational institutions.
- They were designed specifically for church music contributions.
- They were primarily found in royal courts and wealthy households. (correct)
What feature distinguishes concert grand pianos from baby grand pianos?
What feature distinguishes concert grand pianos from baby grand pianos?
- Concert grand pianos include a fourth pedal for enhanced sound control.
- Concert grand pianos use plastic for keys, while baby grands use ivory.
- Concert grand pianos have shorter strings, giving a higher pitch.
- Concert grand pianos are longer and produce a richer tone due to longer bass strings. (correct)
Which improvement was introduced by Sébastien Erard in the early 1800s?
Which improvement was introduced by Sébastien Erard in the early 1800s?
- The use of copper wire for bass strings.
- The design for the first viable grand piano.
- The first patent for an iron frame grand piano.
- The double escapement action for faster play. (correct)
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?
Which of the following materials are black keys traditionally made from?
Which of the following materials are black keys traditionally made from?
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?
What significant event occurred in 1843 regarding grand pianos?
What significant event occurred in 1843 regarding grand pianos?
Which of the following composers is NOT known for classical piano works?
Which of the following composers is NOT known for classical piano works?
Flashcards
Origin of Grand Piano
Origin of Grand Piano
Grand pianos evolved from earlier stringed instruments in Persia and Europe in the 1700s.
Pianoforte
Pianoforte
The term 'piano' is short for 'pianoforte', which means soft and loud in Italian.
First Grand Piano Design
First Grand Piano Design
The first grand piano was designed in 1777 by John Broadwood, Robert Stodart, and Americus Backers.
Double Escapement Action
Double Escapement Action
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Grand Piano Sizes
Grand Piano Sizes
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Piano Pedals
Piano Pedals
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Material of Piano Strings
Material of Piano Strings
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Top Pianists
Top Pianists
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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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