The Grand Piano
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| Harp | Cello | Grand Piano | Harpsichord |
The grand piano is a percussion
instrument in which hammers strike strings, causing vibrations. The grand has
its strings stretched horizontally above a soundboard, and is operated by a
standard keyboard of white and black notes. A baby grand is about 5 feet long,,
the largest is the concert grand, which is about 9 feet long. The range is 7½
octaves, from the A, 3 octaves below the A below middle C (MIDI A0),
up to the C, 4 octaves above middle C. (MIDI C8)
Compared to an upright piano, the grand has a better tone and greater
resonance. Grand pianos are generally used in concert performances, especially
for works such as piano concertos with a full symphony orchestra.
The instrument which we today call a piano, was originally called a 'pianoforte', which is a word formed by stringing together the Italian adjectives 'piano' and ' forte', so it means 'Soft-Loud'. This instrument was a technical break-through at the time, as the player could play louder or softer by changing his touch. This was a great contrast to the harpsichord, which could not be played louder or softer by merely striking the keys harder or softer.
Copyright © 2002-2007 Victor Gomersall. All rights reserved