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.
These dreams became a reality when in 1709 the Italian Bartolomeo Kristofori, engaged in musical instruments making for the Medici family, invented the first piano. He named his invention “gravicembalo col piano e forte”, which means “keyboard instrument that plays gently and loudly.” The name was subsequently reduced, and it became “piano”. Later, similar instruments have been created by music teacher from Germany Kristoforom Gottlieb Shreterom (1717) and Frenchman Jean-Marius (1716).
