Piano History
The Piano, like the guitar is an extremely versatile instrument. Personally, I feel the guitar is slightly more versatile only because of its ability to be transported easily. The piano has been found in many different types of music again similar to the guitar.
The first keyboard instruments were first found in the Baroque era where harpsichords and organs reigned supreme. Later these instruments evolved into the modern piano that we know today. Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1698, solved a gigantic problem in the history of keyboard instruments. There was a desire for a keyboard instrument that could play both loud (forte) and soft (piano). Cristofori developed the "hammer action" that allowed hammers to strike a string instead of plucking a string. This allowed the user to control how hard or soft to play a certain string, and thus dynamic contrast in keyboard music is born. This new instrument was known as the "pianoforte".
Our modern acoustic pianos are very much based off of the ideas by Cristofori. Our pianos have a few modifications such as damper (sustain) pedals and such. But for the most part the inner workings of the piano remain the same.
Of course in our digital age, we now have digital versions of the piano. Electronic keyboards, MIDI controllers, and synthesizers rule the popular music of today. These wonderful advancements would not have been possible without the 300 year old pianos by Cristofori. The piano consistently pushes the advancement of music and will more than likely continue to do so for years to come.
Request Piano Lesson schedules at (915) 842 - 8808
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