A Brief History of the Piano
Humans have been fond of producing unique noises and sounds by plucking, banging, blowing, and striking various objects since prehistoric times. So it was just a matter of time before strings of different sizes would become pulled at varying tension levels to create music!
Did you know that the piano is founded on various technological innovations? In the 14th and 15th centuries, there was an increase in the development of various types of keyboard stringed instruments. It is worth noting that some of these instruments came with hammers, including the dulce melos, chekker, and clavichord.
Others were plucked instruments, such as the virginal and harpsichord.
Inventor
Did you know that Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655–1731) of Padua invented the modern piano? Bartolomeo Cristofori was a skilled harpsichord maker in Italy, employed by Ferdinando de’ Medici. He built the first piano around the year 1698 and displayed it in Florence in 1709.
People interested in music lessons or education should know that today, the instrument he displayed, is in the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
How did the Instrument get its Name?
You might know that the phrase ‘generates soft and loud’ in Italian is called ‘che fa’ il piano, e il forte.’ Keep in mind that this is where the piano gets its name since it can easily play both piano and forte.
People called it the pianoforte because of its ability to vary in dynamics from soft to loud considerably. This was very innovative and unique among other keyboard-styled instruments of those days. Over time, the name was simplified to the ‘piano’.
Design Evolution
Note that the first pianos look pretty different from modern instruments. For example, there were no pedals, and the keyboard itself was much shorter. Also, if you heard any of these early pianos, it would certainly sound quite different. For instance, it was much quieter and less resonant than modern pianos are, such as a Steinway.
Modern Innovations and Changes to the Piano
It is worth noting that a number of innovations and changes helped the fortepiano gradually evolve into the modern piano that we all know and love today. Some of these include:
A high-quality and specialized piano wire that was created specifically for the springs
The use of precision casting to make top-notch precise piano plates
Manufacturers added three strings to each note, allowing for complex, rich, and splendorous sounds
2 octaves were also added to the piano, which brought the total to seven
Developers added repetition levers to allow quick repetition of the same note
Many composers, such as Liszt, Chopin, and Debussy, enjoyed these design innovations.
The Modern Piano
Keep in mind that the piano has gone through considerable evolution and improvement since its creation. Also, several crucial advances were made regarding how the piano was strung.
One of them was the use of a “choir” of three strings instead of two for all notes other than the lowest. This helped enhance the complexity and richness of the treble, producing an even better and more holistic sound.
Also, the use of a Capo d’Astro bar, rather than agraffes, in the topmost treble, allowed the hammers to adequately strike the strings in the optimal position? This considerably increased that area’s power.
After that, various individuals made subtle improvements and changes to the instrument. For example, Gottfried Silbermann developed the important basis for the contemporary sustain pedal. This is a device that lifts the damper off the strings so that the player can sustain the notes without actually holding down the keys.
And in the 1700s, many piano makers worldwide started using stronger materials such as top-quality piano wire as well as iron frames.
You will be happy to know that piano manufacturers all over the world are continuing to experiment with various materials and processes, all customized with the latest and best technological innovations. The piano is certainly a pinnacle of human achievement, and it will continue to develop and improve. Who knows how this instrument may look and sound 200 years from now?