16 Questions
Who is credited with conceiving and constructing the pianoforte?
Bartolomeo Cristofori
What was the immediate predecessor to the modern piano?
Pianoforte
Which two keyboard instruments were the predecessors of the pianoforte?
Harpsichord and clavichord
How many keys did the pianoforte initially have?
48
What was the main difference between the harpsichord and the clavichord?
The harpsichord plucked the string, producing rich tone but no nuance, whereas the clavichord hit the string, offering more nuance from the performer but with less overall tone.
What time period was the pianoforte primarily used as a keyboard instrument by classical composers?
Mid-1800s
What was the main difference in the keyboard mechanism between the harpsichord and the pianoforte?
The pianoforte had a keyboard mechanism that struck the strings with a hammer, allowing the hammer to drop back down even if the key was still depressed.
What addition by Cristofori eliminated the need for multiple rows of keylevers in the pianoforte?
The creation of a 'soft pedal' that physically moved the keyboard to the right, allowing for a quieter sound.
What forced pianoforte builders to utilize cast iron frames and thicker strings made from metal?
The need for fuller and louder sounds as concerts were more commonly performed in large concert halls.
What aspect of the pianoforte gave players the ability to make decisions on the amount of sound?
The ability of the player to press the key with more force, moving the hammer at a faster rate, hitting the string harder, and making a louder sound.
What was significant about the number of strings used for each note in the pianoforte?
It created a wider range of sound dynamics by using different numbers of strings.
What made upright pianos different from grand pianos?
Upright pianos required less floor space and had vertical strings and mechanism instead of horizontal ones stretched across a grand frame.
What allowed for a quieter sound in upright pianos?
'Soft pedal' that physically moved the keyboard to allow for a quieter sound.
Why did Cristofori's experiment with a new keyboard mechanism lead to the creation of a new musical instrument?
It struck the strings with a hammer, allowing the hammer to drop back down even if the key was still depressed.
What was added as a priority by mid-19th century pianoforte builders?
More keys added becoming a priority
What feature did modern pianos take from Cristofori's design?
Ability to hit multiple strings for each note
Explore the origin and development of the pianoforte, a keyboard instrument created in the early 1700s and widely used by classical composers like Joseph Haydn and Ludwig Beethoven. Learn about its evolution from 48 keys to up to 64 keys and its significance as the precursor to modern pianos.
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