parlour grand piano
Noun: A parlour grand piano is a specific type of grand piano characterized by its relatively small size, designed to fit comfortably in the intimate space of a parlour or living room. It is a musical instrument with horizontal strings and a wing-shaped case.
The term is used to specify the size and typical domestic setting of a grand piano. It is a compound noun where "parlour grand" modifies "piano."
Examples: * The music teacher's home featured a beautiful parlour grand piano in the front room. * For a smaller home, a parlour grand piano is often a more practical choice than a full concert grand. * The auction included several antique parlour grand pianos.
- The term can be used metonymically to represent domestic music-making or a certain level of cultural refinement in a home.
- The sound of the parlour grand piano was a staple of their family evenings.
- Parlour grand: A common shortened form of "parlour grand piano."
- They inherited a Steinway parlour grand.
- Baby grand piano: A term often used interchangeably with "parlour grand," though some classifications distinguish them by slight size differences, with a baby grand being potentially smaller.
- Grand piano: The general category of horizontal pianos, which includes the concert grand, semi-concert grand, parlour grand, and baby grand.
- Upright piano: A piano with vertical strings, contrasting with the horizontal design of a grand or parlour grand piano.
- Baby grand (piano)
- Small grand piano
- Concert grand piano
- Upright piano
The primary meaning is the physical instrument. Its defining characteristic is its size, which is larger than a baby grand but smaller than a concert grand, making it suitable for private homes and small venues. The "parlour" in the name historically refers to the best room in a house used for entertaining guests.
- a small grand piano