Fortepiano: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'fortepiano' combines two Italian words: 'forte' meaning strong and 'piano' meaning soft, reflecting its dynamic range.
• Originally used in the late 17th century, it helped differentiate from earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord, which only had a fixed volume.

Music History

• The fortepiano was a significant development during the Classical period, allowing composers like Mozart and Haydn to explore varied dynamics in their music.
• It laid the groundwork for the modern piano, evolving into instruments that could handle greater volume and complexity.

Cultural Significance

• In the late 18th century, the fortepiano symbolized the rise of the middle class, as more people began to own and play pianos.
• Instrument makers, such as Bartolomeo Cristofori, innovated designs that shaped the evolution of keyboard instruments.

Design and Technology

• Fortepianos featured wooden actions and lighter hammers than modern pianos, allowing for more nuanced expressiveness.
• Unlike modern pianos, fortepianos typically had fewer keys, often with a range of only five octaves.

Influence in Classical Music

• Many classical composers, including Beethoven, initially wrote music specifically for the fortepiano before adjusting their works for modern pianos.
• Today, fortepianos are often used in historically informed performances to replicate the sound and playing style of classical music from that era.