Pianoforte: the Development Technological Changes and Practices
“Pianoforte: the development, technological changes and performance practice” [pic]
London Metropolitan University
Module: Musical Instruments
Student: Silvija Armonaite 07062934
Lec: Lewis Jones, Christina Paine.
Introduction
The early history of piano is familiar or at least easily accessible. It has been summarised in many reference books and explored in recently growing literature. The piano music has occupied a central place in professional and domestic music making since the third quarter of the 18th century. In addition the great capacities inherent in the keyboard itself – the ability to sound simultaneously at least as many notes as one has fingers and therefore to be able to produce any work in the entire literature of western music. Not so long ago, there was a time, when you could find a piano in almost every home. Many people’s memories hold vivid pictures of an old piano standing in the corner of their parent’s house. In its flexibility as a solo instrument or accompaniment leading an orchestra, or as a tool in the hands of a composer, the piano was unrivalled, and that everybody could play something on the piano. Millions around the world still experience the joy of picking out their favourite tunes on the instrument. There is no such a musical instrument that would be easy to handle and so quick to produce a note for the beginner. Given its special status, it is perhaps not surprising that every pianist should want to know not only how to choose and care for their instrument, but also would be able to understand its development, working, and individual maker’s characteristics. The instruments modern name was shortened form of its first description by S. Maffei, who first called it “gravicembalo col piano e forte” (harpsichord with soft and loud). English sources at the later stage called it ‘pianoforte’ and interchangeably ‘fortepiano’. There were many shapes and forms of a pianoforte,
London Metropolitan University
Module: Musical Instruments
Student: Silvija Armonaite 07062934
Lec: Lewis Jones, Christina Paine.
Introduction
The early history of piano is familiar or at least easily accessible. It has been summarised in many reference books and explored in recently growing literature. The piano music has occupied a central place in professional and domestic music making since the third quarter of the 18th century. In addition the great capacities inherent in the keyboard itself – the ability to sound simultaneously at least as many notes as one has fingers and therefore to be able to produce any work in the entire literature of western music. Not so long ago, there was a time, when you could find a piano in almost every home. Many people’s memories hold vivid pictures of an old piano standing in the corner of their parent’s house. In its flexibility as a solo instrument or accompaniment leading an orchestra, or as a tool in the hands of a composer, the piano was unrivalled, and that everybody could play something on the piano. Millions around the world still experience the joy of picking out their favourite tunes on the instrument. There is no such a musical instrument that would be easy to handle and so quick to produce a note for the beginner. Given its special status, it is perhaps not surprising that every pianist should want to know not only how to choose and care for their instrument, but also would be able to understand its development, working, and individual maker’s characteristics. The instruments modern name was shortened form of its first description by S. Maffei, who first called it “gravicembalo col piano e forte” (harpsichord with soft and loud). English sources at the later stage called it ‘pianoforte’ and interchangeably ‘fortepiano’. There were many shapes and forms of a pianoforte,
Bibliography: John-Paul Williams 2002, The Piano, an inspirational guide to the piano and its place in history, London, Quarto publishing plc Kenneth Van Barthold, David Buckton 1975, The Story of the Piano, London, British Broadcasting Corporation Ernest Closson 1947, History of the Piano, London, Paul Elek Publishers Ltd The New Grove Musical Instruments Series 1980, The Piano, London, Macmillan ltd Cyril Ehrlich 1990, The Piano A History, Oxford, Clarendon Press Websites: www.ptg.org/images/museum/cristofori.jpg http://www.pianola.org/history/history_pianoplayers.cfm http://www.pianoinfo.co.uk/history.htm