Archive for May, 2009
Piano as a solo instrument in the classical period.
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 The piano first declared itself in Europe prevailed Rococo era (1725-1775) - the period of transition from Baroque to Classicism. During the period of classicism piano became a popular tool for home use and live performance.
The emergence of a piano also caused a change in the repertoire of ensembles and orchestras. Concerto for piano and orchestra - a new genre that became very popular during the classical period. A long time, a harpsichord was the tool of accompaniment, rarely taking the role of solo instrument; piano, however with its dynamic capabilities was able to stand in a group of solo instruments such as violin and trumpet, and take center stage in concert halls of Europe.
The piano of Kristofori was very simple.
Friday, May 15th, 2009The piano of Kristofori was very simple. The piano did not a damper actuator, or pedals. The impact of the key forced a hammer to strike the strings, causing its vibration, not at all similar to the vibration of strings from the harpsichord or clavichord.
The most remarkable fact of the piano - the ability to resonate and dynamic range. The wooden hull and steel frame (invented later in the XIX century, frame of the piano Kristofori was wooden) allow the instrument to reach almost bell sound at the fort. Another difference of the piano from his predecessors - the ability to read not only quietly and loudly, but do crescendo and diminuendo, to change the momentum suddenly or gradually.
