Fortepianos

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A type of early piano characterized by a range of dynamics allowed by varying striking strength of the keys
  2. Instruments capable of producing both soft and loud sounds, giving a more expressive range than earlier keyboards
  3. Pianos from the period of the Classical and early Romantic music, known for their delicate touch and nuanced tone

Etymology: The term "fortepiano" traces back to the early 18th century, emerging as the original name for what we now commonly call the piano. Its invention is credited to Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian instrument maker who, around 1700, developed a keyboard instrument capable of dynamic expression—meaning it could play notes both loudly and softly. This was a significant innovation compared to its predecessors like the harpsichord, which produced sound at a relatively fixed volume. The word itself is a compound from Italian: "forte" meaning "loud" and "piano" meaning "soft." This duality highlights the instrument’s unique ability to vary dynamics, which was revolutionary at the time. The name was descriptive rather than invented as a brand; it succinctly captured the essence of the instrument’s expressive range. The plural form, "fortepianos," simply denotes more than one such instrument in English usage. Over time, the "fortepiano" evolved both in construction and terminology. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the instrument underwent significant changes, gaining a stronger frame and a more powerful sound, eventually becoming the modern piano familiar today. While "fortepiano" remained in technical and historical contexts to refer to early pianos from the classical period, the shortened form "piano" took hold in everyday language. The term’s journey from a straightforward Italian descriptor to a specialized historical label reflects the evolution of musical instruments and tastes. Today, "fortepiano" often denotes the early versions of the piano used by composers like Mozart and Haydn, distinguishing them from the more robust, late-Romantic pianos. This linguistic and musical distinction helps performers and scholars appreciate the subtle differences in sound and technique across centuries.

Synonyms: pianos, keyboards, musical instruments, clavichords, fortes