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. |
