| Introduction | Modern Instrument | History | How It Works | Performers | Music | Makers |
The Piano (Pianoforte)
The Modern Piano
Built from an iron frame and wooden casing, the full-sized, modern piano has 88 keys which contains a range of 7 and a third octaves from A,, to c’’’’’ (though the manufacturer ‘Bösendorfer’ make some pianos with a range of 8 octaves).
The modern piano takes one of two main forms: the grand piano, or the upright piano.
| The Upright Piano | The Grand Piano |
 A Steinway Upright Piano |
 A Yamaha Grand Piano |
| Uprights usually have a wooden finish, or a glossy black finish. | Grands usually have a black finish, though a wooden finish is also common, and sometimes even a white finish. |
| Upright pianos are usually between 44” (112cm) and 52” (132cm) in height. | Some grand pianos can reach a length of over 9 feet (274cm), though they are typically a bit shorter than this (around 7’ – 213cm). |
The Baby Grand Piano
Baby Grand Pianos are also popular; they look like Grand pianos, but are shorter in length, usually between 5’ (152cm) and 6’ (183cm).
Dynamics, Articulation & Personality
Several different playing techniques are capable on a piano. Whilst crescendos and diminuendos (getting louder and getting quieter) are not possible on individual notes, they can be utilized effectively as arpeggios or in chord sequences. This would be achieved by changing the force with which the keys are struck, so for a ‘loud to quiet’ effect (diminuendo) over, say, 8 bars of chords, the first chord would be struck with the most force. The force used for each chord after would be gradually decreased so that the last chord was being struck gently.
The use of the pedals can be used to alter the way the notes sound. The use of the ‘damper’ (or ‘sustain’) pedal can be effective in thickening the texture. Previously notes will sustain underneath newly struck notes, thus layering the texture of the overall sound. This use of the sustain pedal can be very successful at climactic points in music, were loud dynamics and tensions caused through dissonances (notes clashing) are desirable.
Staccato and legato articulation can be achieved. For ‘staccato’ notes, the keys should be pressed quickly, with poise, so that the note length will be very short. For ‘legato’, a subtle overlapping in between notes will create a smoother, less detached feel.
Interestingly, harmonics can be sounded by allowing other strings to vibrate ‘in sympathy’. For example, gently press down Middle C and the next C an octave higher (c’ and c’’) without making them sound. Hold them down. Then depress the lowest C on your piano sharply, with force and release, still holding down c’ and c’’. This will cause the c’ and c’’ strings to vibrate ‘in sympathy’ – and they will be heard faintly as harmonics.
In an orchestral setting (for example, in a Piano Concerto), the lower and upper registers will be used primarily – this is because these higher and lower frequencies will cut through the more middle-ground frequencies of the orchestral accompaniment. In an accompaniment setting, the piano is usually used to fill out the harmonies of the solo melody (played on another instrument) through the use of chords. In an ensemble setting (for example in a rock band or pop group) the piano can be used for rhythmic effect, thus providing a percussive role. Also in this setting, the piano plays ‘fills’, imitates melodic patterns of other instruments/singers and reinforces the keys through harmony parts and chord playing. As a solo instrument, the piano can show off its extrovert personality with extravagant, showy, virtuosic playing. Contrasting this, it can also demonstrate its more peaceful and relaxing side, through gently played melodic phrases.
Piano Maintenance
Pianos need regular care and attention to keep them in top playing order. Most importantly is piano tuning, in which a specialist Piano Tuner will retune your piano so that it is kept at ‘concert pitch’. Over time, several external factors contribute to a piano gradually going flat. These include temperature, humidity, and, of course, frequent piano practice. As long as a Piano Tuner is called in every 6 months there should be no problem, and your piano will give you years of enjoyment!
Modern Day Experimentation
In modern years, there has been frequent experimentation with the construction of the piano. Pianofortes with double keyboards have been produced. Pianos have been created that can indefinitely prolong the sounds by keeping the string vibrating (through the use of a revolving wheel imitating a violin bow, or by some electrical device). Experiments have been made to create a piano which stays in tune; this is done through the use of tuning forks in place of the strings. Several other inventors likewise have created almost hybrid instruments, crossing pianos with organs, flutes, harpsichords and clavichords.
Then there is the much more conventional substitute for the acoustic piano in the comparatively simple ‘electric piano’.
