pianoforte etymology

Etymology

The term "pianoforte" comes from two Italian words:

  • Piano: meaning "soft" or "gentle"
  • Forte: meaning "loud" or "strong"

Meaning

Pianoforte refers to a musical instrument characterized by its ability to produce a wide range of dynamics, from soft to loud.

Origin

The pianoforte evolved from earlier keyboard instruments such as the clavichord and the harpsichord. Here's a brief history:

  • Clavichord: Invented in the early 14th century, it produced sound by striking metal tangents against strings. It could produce subtle variations in dynamics but lacked volume.
  • Harpsichord: Developed in the late 16th century, it used quills or leather plectra to pluck strings. It had a brighter sound than the clavichord but also lacked dynamics.

In the late 17th century, Italian harpsichord makers began experimenting with instruments that could produce a wider range of dynamics. Bartolomeo Cristofori, a harpsichord maker in Florence, is credited with developing the first true pianoforte around 1700.

Cristofori's pianoforte used a mechanism called a "hammer action," in which small hammers struck the strings when the keys were pressed. This allowed for greater control over the volume and timbre of the sound.

The pianoforte quickly gained popularity due to its expressive capabilities. It became the standard keyboard instrument for classical music and remains widely used today.

Initial Resistance and Name Changes

Initially, some musicians and composers resisted the pianoforte due to its perceived inability to sustain sounds like the harpsichord. As a result, it was initially known by various names, including:

  • Gravicembalo col piano e forte: Harpsichord with soft and loud
  • Fortepiano: Loud-soft
  • Pianoforte: Soft-loud

Over time, the name "pianoforte" became universally accepted.

pianoforte relate terms

  • piano

    Etymology Piano is derived from the Italian word pianoforte which literally means so

  • pianoforte

    Etymology The term pianoforte comes from two Italian words Piano meaning soft or

  • airplane

    Etymology Old French avion c 13th century Medieval Latin avis bird Meaning

  • dysplasia

    Etymology Dysplasia derives from the Greek words Dys meaning abnormal difficult

  • ectoplasm

    Etymology From Greek ἐκτός ektos outside πλάσμα plasma creature

  • effleurage

    Etymology French effleurer meaning to graze skim skim over From Latin efflorare

  • esplanade

    Etymology French esplanade Italian spianata Latin explanāre to make level Mea

  • explain

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and historical development of words It in

  • explanation

    Etymology The word explanation is derived from the Latin word explanare which means

  • feldspar

    Etymology Feldspar is derived from the German word feldspat which is a compound of f

  • field

    Etymology The word field derives from the Middle English word feld which itself is d

  • flaneur

    Etymology French literally stroller or saunterer from flaner to roam wander i

  • floor

    Etymology The word floor comes from the Old English word flor which is of uncertain

  • llano

    Etymology The word llano is derived from the Spanish word llano meaning plain or

  • palm

    Etymology of Palm The word palm comes from the Latin word palma which itself is d

  • palm

    Etymology of Palm The word palm comes from the Latin word palma which itself is d

  • palmy

    Etymology The word palmy comes from the Latin word palma which means palm tree M

  • piano

    Etymology Piano is derived from the Italian word pianoforte which literally means so

  • pianoforte

    Etymology The term pianoforte comes from two Italian words Piano meaning soft or

  • plain

    Etymology Plain derives from the Old French word plain which in turn comes from the

  • plan

    Etymology The word plan originated from the Latin word planus meaning flat or lev

  • planar

    Etymology Planar Derived from the Latin word planus meaning flat or level Me

  • Planaria

    Planaria Etymology and Meaning The word planaria comes from the Latin word planus meani

  • plane

    Etymology The word plane has its origins in the Latin word planus which means flat

  • plane

    Etymology The word plane has its origins in the Latin word planus which means flat

  • plane

    Etymology The word plane has its origins in the Latin word planus which means flat

  • planet

    Planet noun Etymology From Middle English planete derived from Old English planēta

  • plani

    Etymology and Meaning The word plani is derived from the Latin word planus meaning

  • planisphere

    Etymology Planisphere originates from the Latin words Planus Flat or level Sphaera

  • plano

    Etymology The word plano originates from the Latin word planus meaning flat or e

  • plasma

    Etymology The word plasma derives from the Greek word plasma which means moldable s

  • plasmid

    Etymology The term plasmid is derived from the Greek words πλασμα plasma m

  • plasm

    Etymology The word plasm comes from the Greek word πλάσμα plasma which means

  • plaster

    Etymology The word plaster derives from the Late Latin term plastrum which means w

  • plastic

    Etymology The word plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos which means cap

  • plastid

    Etymology Plastic id Meaning An organelle in plant cells that contains pigments f

  • Poland

    Etymology The name Poland is derived from the Proto Slavic word Polanie meaning peo

  • pole

    Etymology The word pole derives from the following roots Middle English pol Old

  • polka

    Etymology The word polka is derived from the Czech word půlka which means half

  • protoplasm

    Etymology Proto Greek First original plasm Greek Formed molded Meaning P

  • veldt

    Etymology The word veldt has Dutch origins Dutch veld field Meaning A veldt

  • clavier

    Etymology Clavier is derived from the French word clavier which itself comes from the

  • classical

    Etymology of Classical The term classical has its roots in Latin classicus pertai

  • upright

    Etymology The word upright is derived from two Old English words Up Meaning towar

  • salmon

    Etymology The English word salmon is derived from the Old French word saumon which i

  • pride

    Etymology The word pride comes from the Middle English word pryde which in turn der

  • Cincinnati

    Etymology The name Cincinnati is derived from the Latin phrase Cincinnatus qui colit

  • concierge

    Etymology The word concierge comes from the French word conscierge which in turn is