Piano, Fortepiano

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Fortepiano is the name given to the earliest type of piano. The first example was built by the harpsichord-maker, Cristofori, in 1709. Unlike the harpsichord which plucked the strings, the fortepiano had hammers which struck the strings. For the first time a keyboard instrument could play loud ("forte") and soft ("piano") : hence its name.

Family
Keyboards
Pitch range
Four to five octaves.
Material
Wood.
Size
7 ft (2.10 m) long ; 3 ft (0.90 m) wide.
Origins
The fortepiano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1709. He wanted to produce a harpsichord which would play loudly (forte) and softly (piano).
Classification
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings.
And also...
Early fortepianos had parchment hammers. Leather was used from about 1730 to 1820, when Henri Pape had the idea of cutting up felt hats to make the hammer material.

picture of Piano, Fortepiano