Piano: The Musical Instrument Defined

What is the word 'piano' short for?

How many keys does a modern day standard piano typically feature?

What is a pianist defined as?

Where is the origin of the piano believed to be?

How are sounds altered on a piano?

Which instrument originated around 220 B.C.E. and is considered an early predecessor of the piano?

Who is credited with inventing the first pianoforte, or modern piano?

Which instrument was operated via keys to make particular tones/sounds, and was considered the first known instrument with a keyboard?

What is the main difference between the earlier fortepianos/pianofortes and modern-day pianos?

During which period did the piano come to replace the popularity of the harpsichord and clavichord in public audiences?

Which instrument was considered the most popular keyboard instrument before the Classical Period?

What kind of instrument is the piano considered to be?

Which instrument features a single string set at an oblique angle to its keyboard and is considered a small version of the harpsichord?

'The invention was called the pianoforte because it could produce both soft (piano) and loud (forte) sounds.' What does 'pianoforte' mean?

'Many families who could afford pianos would gather around to play and sing for entertainment.' What type of musical genre often involved a soloist with piano accompaniment during such gatherings?

'The clavichord still had its shortcomings, however.' What was one of the shortcomings of the clavichord mentioned in the text?

What key feature distinguished the clavichord from the harpsichord in terms of string playing?

'Cristofori tried to alter the issues of both the harpsichord and clavichord to create a better design.' What was one specific alteration mentioned in relation to Cristofori's pianoforte design?