Keyboard instrument Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
keyboard instrument
[หkiห.bษหd หษชn.strษ.mษnt ]
Definition
musical instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument played using a keyboard, a row of levers which are pressed by the fingers. The most common of these instruments is the piano.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| keyboard instrument |
Refers to any musical instrument played using a keyboard, covering a wide range of instruments from pianos to electronic keyboards.
|
| piano |
A widely used keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers. Suitable for a variety of music genres from classical to jazz to pop.
|
| organ |
A large keyboard instrument, often found in churches, that produces sound by driving air through pipes. Used in religious ceremonies, classical music, and sometimes in modern music.
|
| harpsichord |
An early keyboard instrument, popular in baroque music, with strings that are plucked rather than hammered. Suitable for historical or classical music contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The harpsichord and the organ are also examples of keyboard instruments.
- She started learning to play the keyboard instrument when she was just five years old.
- The keyboard instrument produces sound by pressing keys that trigger hammers to strike strings or pipes.
- Keyboard instruments are widely used in classical music, jazz, and popular music.
- Many composers have written music specifically for keyboard instruments.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Development
- The earliest keyboard instruments, like the organ and harpsichord, were developed during the Middle Ages, allowing musicians to play multiple notes at once.
- The modern piano was invented in Italy in the early 1700s and evolved from earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord, which used plucking rather than striking keys.
Pop Culture
- Famous bands and artists, such as The Beatles and Elton John, have made keyboard instruments central to their music, showcasing their versatility.
- In video games, keyboard instruments often represent talent and creativity, with characters using them to solve problems or advance plots.
Science of Sound
- Keyboard instruments produce sound through different methods: pianos strike strings, while organs use air through pipes to create music.
- They can generate various sounds by altering the way strings resonate or by combining electronic waves, allowing for a wide range of musical styles.
Educational Impact
- Playing keyboard instruments is often a childโs first introduction to music, enhancing cognitive skills and encouraging creativity.
- Music education programs emphasize keyboard instruments for their ability to teach rhythm, melody, and harmony simultaneously.
Origin of 'keyboard instrument'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'keyboard' comes from the older words 'key' and 'board,' referring to the key layout on the instrument's surface.
- The use of 'instrument' implies a tool for creating music, highlighting the essential role these devices play in musical performance.
The history of keyboard instruments dates back to ancient times, with the earliest known keyboard instrument being the hydraulis, a type of pipe organ used in ancient Greece. Over the centuries, keyboard instruments have evolved and diversified, with the piano becoming one of the most popular and widely played instruments. The invention of the piano by Bartolomeo Cristofori in the early 18th century revolutionized keyboard instrument design and paved the way for the modern piano as we know it today.