The Steinway piano is Bruce Hornsby’s main instrument of choice! 88 keys and spanning just over 7 octaves.
Played by:
Bruce Hornsby on:
- The Way It Is (album)
- Scenes from the Southside
- Night on the Town (album)
- Harbor Lights (album)
- Hot House
- Spirit Trail
- Here Come the Noisemakers
- Greatest Radio Hits
- Halcyon Days (album)
- Skaggs/Hornsby
- Camp Meeting (album)
- Levitate (album)
- Bride of the Noisemakers
- Red Hook Summer
- Cluck Ol Hen
- Solo Concerts
- The Essential Bruce Hornsby
- Absolute Zero (album)
- Non-Secure Connection (album)
- Flicted
- Lost and Found on the Spirit Trail
- Deep Sea Vents (album)
Piano: an overview
The piano is one of the most versatile and widely used instruments in music, known for its ability to play both melody and harmony. Its full range of notes and expressive capabilities make it an integral part of classical, jazz, pop, and many other musical genres. The instrument is unique in its design, combining both percussive and string elements, and it has influenced the development of countless musical styles.
Origins of the piano
The piano evolved from earlier keyboard instruments, such as the harpsichord and clavichord. These instruments had strings, but the way the strings were activated created significant differences in sound. The harpsichord, which was popular during the Baroque period, produced sound by plucking strings when the keys were pressed. While it had a bright tone, it lacked dynamic range, meaning the player could not easily control the loudness or softness of the notes.
The clavichord, another early keyboard instrument, produced sound by striking the strings with small metal blades, which allowed for some dynamic control but lacked the power needed for larger performances.
In the early 18th century, Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian instrument maker, created the first piano, called the “gravicembalo col piano e forte” (meaning “harpsichord with soft and loud”). This new instrument featured a hammer mechanism that struck the strings when keys were pressed, allowing players to control the dynamics of the sound. This was the innovation that distinguished the piano from its predecessors and contributed to its eventual widespread popularity.
Development of the piano through the classical period
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the piano underwent significant technical improvements that enhanced its range, tone, and durability. By the time of composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, the piano had become a central instrument in Western classical music.
Mozart composed for the fortepiano, an early version of the modern piano, which had a more delicate sound than today’s instruments. However, it was Beethoven who pushed the limits of the piano, composing works that required greater power, expression, and range. This led to further advancements in piano construction, including the introduction of iron frames and longer strings, which allowed for a richer, more resonant sound.
By the late 19th century, the modern piano as we know it had been developed. Innovations such as the double escapement action, which allowed for faster repetition of notes, and improvements in tuning stability and soundboards gave the piano a larger, more expressive range.
Impact of the piano on music
The piano’s ability to play both melody and harmony made it a central instrument in classical music. Composers such as Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, and Johannes Brahms expanded the technical and expressive possibilities of the piano, composing works that showcased the instrument’s power and nuance.
Liszt, for example, revolutionised piano technique, creating virtuosic compositions that demanded new levels of skill from performers. Chopin, on the other hand, composed primarily for the piano, exploring its lyrical qualities and the beauty of its tone.
In addition to its role in classical music, the piano became a foundational instrument in many other musical styles. In the 20th century, jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans redefined how the piano could be used, with improvisation and rhythmic innovation becoming key features of their playing.
The piano also became a mainstay in popular music, with artists such as Ray Charles, Elton John, and Billy Joel using the instrument to create some of the most memorable songs in modern music.
Types of pianos
There are several types of pianos, each with its own distinct characteristics and uses:
Grand piano
The grand piano is the largest and most powerful type of piano. Its horizontal design allows for longer strings and a larger soundboard, producing a rich, full sound. Grand pianos are commonly used in concert settings and for professional performances.
Upright piano
The upright piano, also known as a vertical piano, is more compact than the grand piano. Its vertical design allows for a smaller footprint, making it more suitable for homes and smaller spaces. While upright pianos do not have the same dynamic range as grand pianos, they remain popular for their affordability and convenience.
Digital piano
Digital pianos use electronic sound generation rather than strings and hammers. They are often used in modern music due to their versatility, portability, and the ability to produce a variety of sounds. While they do not replicate the acoustic qualities of traditional pianos perfectly, advances in technology have made digital pianos a viable alternative for many musicians.
Summary
The piano has a rich history that spans over three centuries, evolving from early keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord into the modern grand and upright pianos used today. Its unique ability to control dynamics, along with its versatility in both classical and contemporary music, has made it one of the most beloved and widely used instruments in the world. From classical composers like Beethoven and Chopin to modern-day jazz and pop musicians, the piano continues to inspire and shape the sound of music across a wide range of genres.