A Brief History of Piano

A piano is an instrument, 32 black keys, 56 white, both string and percussion, the piano has been around for centuries, evolving from a small woodne box with strings and dulcimers, to electronic machines capable of creating thousands of different sounds. Hundreds of companies have manufactured their own version of the classical instrument since the 1700's, giving pianists everywhere something to play, and audiences songs to enjoy. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a piano is a large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings' vibration is stopped by dampers when the keys are released, and it can be regulated for length and volume by two or three pedals, originating from early 19th century: from Italian, abbreviation of pianoforte. It is used in virtually every musical genre and is considered to cornerstone of both modern and classical music alike.

In the early 1700's, supposedly, a man named Bartolomeo Cristofori, an expert harpsichord maker and Italy native, built the first modern piano. The pianos predecessors, the clavichord and the harpsichord were well known at the time. Cristofori created a way for the piano's internal hammer to come in contact with the string, but not stay in contact, unlike it's predecessors. In 1711, a writer by the name of Scipione Maffei wrote an article about the new invention, along with a diagram of the instrument's mechanics. This article became well known, popularizing the piano. The manufacturing of pianos thrived in the 1800's, prominent makers included the now famous Johann Andreas Stein, who built viennese style pianos. These pianos had wooden frames, two ...

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...ecades upon decades, it seems we are constantly discovering something new every day about the instrument. It will forever be a part of music as it always had been. Since the first piano was built, it has compelled musicians and audiences everywhere, with it's unique look and sound. It has fascinated people with it's interesting mechanics and complex system. Pianos have resonated with so many people, giving millions of songs, and so many unique experiences. Over 10 million pianos can be found in homes, businesses, and establshments all across the globe, proving the instrument's versatility. Whether you are 5, or 95, the piano is an instrument that has been around for centuries and brought enjoyment to billions. The cornerstone of modern and classical music alike will have an everlasting reverberation.

Works Cited

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano#cite_note-6