pianoforte
Noun: A musical instrument with a keyboard, where pressing keys causes felt-covered hammers to strike metal strings, producing sound. The volume can be controlled by the force applied to the keys, allowing for both soft (piano) and loud (forte) dynamics, which is the origin of its full name.
The word "pianoforte" is the formal, full name for the instrument commonly called a "piano." It is used in more technical, historical, or formal contexts. - The museum's collection features an 18th-century pianoforte by Bartolomeo Cristofori. - The piece was originally composed for the pianoforte, not the harpsichord.
- Historical Context: The term is often used when discussing the instrument's invention and early development in the 18th century to distinguish it from its predecessor, the harpsichord.
- Cristofori's invention of the pianoforte revolutionized keyboard music by allowing dynamic expression.
- Piano (n): The common, shortened form of "pianoforte." This is the standard term used in everyday language.
- She takes piano lessons every Tuesday.
- Fortepiano (n): A term sometimes used for early versions of the pianoforte from the 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing its dynamic capability.
- The musician specializes in performing Mozart on the fortepiano.
- Keyboard instrument: A general category that includes the pianoforte, organ, harpsichord, and synthesizer.
- Grand piano: A specific type of pianoforte with a horizontal frame and strings.
- Upright piano: A specific type of pianoforte with a vertical frame and strings.
(Note: Idioms typically use the shortened form "piano.") - Tickle the ivories: (Informal idiom) To play the piano. - He loves to tickle the ivories at family gatherings.
- a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds