I am always fascinated by the rich history of this incredible instrument. Here is a brief overview of the piano’s evolution, from its early beginnings to its modern form.
Early Keyboard Instruments
The clavichord and harpsichord – instruments from the 14th and 15th centuries – are the piano’s roots. Players pressed keys on these instruments to cause strings to vibrate and produce sound. However, these instruments did not have the same dynamic range as modern pianos, making it difficult to control volume and produce a wide range of musical expressions.
The Fortepiano
In the 18th century, the fortepiano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori. This instrument was a major improvement over earlier keyboard instruments because it featured a hammer action that allowed the player to control the volume of the sound by striking the strings harder or softer. This made it much easier to play a wide range of dynamics and create more expressive music. Here is a video link of one of my teachers giving a crash course intro to the Viennese 5-octave fortepiano.
The Modern Piano
The modern piano, which we know today, was developed in the late 19th century. It has 88 keys, a pedal system for producing sustain, and a range of dynamics that can be controlled through the use of the pedals and the touch of the player.
The Piano in the Modern World
Today, people of all ages and skill levels enjoy the piano. It is used in many different genres of music, from classical concerts to pop and rock. As a piano tuner and teacher based in Pittsburgh, PA, I am privileged to work with such a rich and storied instrument.
In my business, I am able to diagnose and fix any problems your piano may be experiencing, ensuring that it is in top playing condition. I also offer piano tuning services to ensure that your instrument is perfectly in tune and sounding its best. In addition to tuning pianos, I also offer private piano lessons to help students of all ages and skill levels reach their goals and bring their musical dreams to life. If you would like to learn more about my piano tuning and teaching business, don’t hesitate to contact me for an interview or appointment. I hope this gives you a better understanding of my piano tuning and teaching business.