piano

Also known as pianoforte, concert grand piano, fortepiano, spinet, spinnet

A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound when its keys are depressed, activating an action mechanism where hammers strike strings. Modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys—with the exception of the Bosendörfer and Stuart & Sons pianos—and tuned to a chromatic scale in equal temperament. A musician who specializes in piano is called a pianist.

AI overview

A piano is a keyboard instrument where pressing keys causes hammers to strike strings, producing sound, and it typically has 88 black and white keys tuned to a chromatic scale. Pianos are important instruments used by musicians called pianists and have been central to both classical and popular music traditions.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Instrument.name: Piano
Instrument.background: keyboard
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs: 314.122-4-8
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs_desc: Simple chordophone with keyboard sounded by hammers
Instrument.inventors: Bartolomeo Cristofori
Instrument.developed: Early 18th century
Instrument.range: frameless|upright|center

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Official name: gravicembalo col piano e forte
Image: Steinway & Sons upright piano, model K-52 (mahogany finish), manufactured at Steinway's factory in New York City.jpg

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Commons gallery: Piano
Commons category: Pianos
Hornbostel-Sachs classification: 314.122-4-8
inception: 1720-00-00
time of discovery or invention: 1700-00-00

Sources (8)

via Wikidata · CC0

~63 min read

Article

26 sections

Contents

History
Invention
Early fortepiano
Further developments
Variations in shape and design
Types
Grand
Upright
Specialized
Electric, electronic, and digital
Hybrid instruments
Construction and components
Keyboard
Pedals
Mechanics
Maintenance
Tuning
Playing and technique
Performance styles
Traditional Burmese style
Role
See also
References
Bibliography
Further reading
External links

There are two main types of piano: the grand piano and the upright piano. The grand piano offers better sound and more precise key control, making it the preferred choice when space and budget allow. The grand piano is also considered a necessity in venues hosting skilled pianists. The upright piano is more commonly used because of its smaller size and lower cost.