The piano was invented by Christophori
from Florence. The
term is an abbreviation of its original name "pianoforte" (Italian
for "loud-quiet"), indicating that unlike the harpsichord,
the piano can be played in varying volumes according to the power of striking
the keys. Sound production is achieved by striking the keys that operate
small hammers beating against the piano's chords. The stronger you push
the key - the stronger the strike and thus also the sound.
Among
prominent piano composers was Mozart,
who was a wondrous pianist from an early age, Beethoven,
who was the first to use its dynamic and expressive potential, Liszt,
who was a virtuoso
player and introduced many innovative techniques into performance
repertory, and Chopin
- the poet of the Romantic
piano.
Different technical novelties allowed nowadays piano
play against the entire orchestra. The modern
piano, of the metal frame enabling the use of especially thick strings,
has a strong, impressive sound. The piano concerti
of great composers are well known (headed by the No.
5 Concerto for piano and orchestra, "The Emperor",
by Beethoven). Beethoven's piano
sonatas
are some of the most important pieces in this instrument's repertory. The
miniatures for piano by Chopin
- waltzes,
etudes,
nocturnes
and polonaises
- are also of the instrument's highlights.
Today,
most works classical music originally written for the harpsichord
are also played on piano. The piano
is also a main instrument in most genres of popular music including Jazz,
Rock & Roll
and Pop
music. Among the greatest players in the 20th century are Arthur
Rubinstein
and Daniel Barenboim.
Arthur Rubinstein - one of the greatest pianists
of the 20th century
The Piano Trio
The Piano Quintet
Children Piano Site
For the Pianist & Teacher
Piano MIDI files
Modern electric
Piano:
Electric Piano
An electronically amplified
keyboard instrument which is capable of producing sounds like the piano's.
Video
Part 3 from the "Pathetique Sonata" by Ludwig van Beethoven
Composers
Beethoven
Mozart
Chopin
Schumann
Liszt
"The notes I handle
no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes- ahh, that
is where the art resides." (Artur Schnable)
Paintings
Piano: Yvonne and
Christine Lerolle Playing the Piano(1897) Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris,
France.
Virginal: Lady at
the Virginals
(1662-65) Jan Vermeer van Delft, National Gallery, London
Organ: The Ghent
Altarpiece: Angels Playing Music
(1426-27) Jan van Eyck, Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent