Piano

An instrument consisting of a square, rectangular of trapeze-shaped flat wooden box of strings that were struck by strings was in existence centuries ago -- perhaps as early as the 12th century. It was called 'dulcimer' (See Yangqin). In the 17th century, Bartolomeo Cristofori, working in his harpsichord workshop in Florence, was seeking ways to vary the volume of plucked harpsichord strings. He remembered the dulcimer's ability to vary its volume according to the force of the strike, and he experimented on his harpsichords. 'Fortepiano', and later 'pianoforte', was the name given to the new invention.

Doubtful about its qualities, composers awaited the newcomer's success in a world where the harpsichord dominated instrumental music. In 1732, Lodovico Giustini published 12 Sanate da Cimbalo...di martelletti, literally 'Sonatas for harpsichord with hammers', the very first music written specifically for the piano. During that decade, the piano became immensely popular in Britain.

Piano construction was constantly improving, and composers became more and more demanding. By 1800, it was clear the composers much preferred the piano to the harpsichord due to its wider range or expression and greater power.Beethoven's sonatas illustrate not only his compositional development but also the ever-greater refinement available on the piano.

The piano, together with the violin, is probably the most popular instrument. Many works have been written for it, including the unforgettable Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor by Tchaikovsky

Midi: Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66

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