The grand piano is a fascinating and iconic musical instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts worldwide. Its rich history and unique features make it an instrument of great artistic and technical value. We will explore the origin of the grand piano and its evolution over the centuries.

The Harpsichord and the Invention of the Piano

To fully understand the origin of the grand piano, we must take a step back and talk about the harpsichord, a keyboard instrument very popular during the Baroque period. The harpsichord produced sound by plucking stretched strings, but it lacked the ability to express dynamic variations. It was unique and highly appreciated, but musicians were searching for an instrument that could offer greater expressive control.

The invention of the piano is attributed to Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian musical instrument maker, who built his first working model around 1700. This revolutionary instrument used a hammer mechanism to strike the strings instead of the metal jacks used in harpsichords. Thanks to this mechanism, the musician could control the intensity of the sound through key pressure, opening up a new world of expressive possibilities.

The Evolution of the Piano Over the Centuries

After Cristofori’s invention, the piano underwent numerous developments and technical improvements. Throughout the 18th century, craftsmen began experimenting with new shapes and sizes for the instrument. The body size was optimized to improve sound quality and tactile response. The materials used in construction were refined to produce a richer and more harmonic sound.

During the 19th century, the Romantic era, the piano saw further enhancements. New features such as the sostenuto pedal, which allowed musicians to sustain long notes while playing others, and the resonance system, which amplified the instrument’s sound, were introduced. These advancements created a richer, more powerful sound, suited to the needs of Romantic composers. Many of these innovations were attributed to John Broadwood and Steinway & Sons.

In the 20th century, the piano continued to evolve to meet new musical and technological demands. Improvements were made to the internal mechanism, making it more efficient and precise. New materials, such as high-quality wood and steel for the strings, were used in construction, enhancing the instrument’s durability and sound stability.

Today, the grand piano represents the pinnacle of lutherie and musical technology. Its constant evolution over the centuries has led to instruments of the highest quality, capable of producing incredibly rich and dynamic sounds.

Features and Operation of the Grand Piano

The grand piano is a work of art both aesthetically and sonically. Its unique features make it an instrument of great versatility and expressiveness. In this second part, we will explore the main characteristics of the grand piano and its internal operation.

• The design of the grand piano: One of the distinguishing features of the grand piano is its elongated shape. This design allows the strings to be arranged parallel to the ground, enabling them to vibrate freely and produce a fuller and more powerful sound compared to upright pianos.
  The grand piano’s body is divided into three main sections: the soundboard, the case, and the action. The soundboard is a large wooden plate that acts as a sound amplifier, transmitting string vibrations to the surrounding air. The case encloses the action and soundboard, protecting and supporting the various components.

• The action of the grand piano: The heart of the grand piano is its complex and sophisticated action. When a key is pressed, a complex system of levers, springs, and hammers comes into play to strike the corresponding string. This hammer mechanism is crucial for the dynamic touch of the grand piano, allowing the musician to express a wide range of sound nuances. A unique feature of the grand piano’s action is the repetition lever. This part of the mechanism allows the musician to play the same note repeatedly without fully releasing the key. The repetition lever ensures a quick and controlled response, essential for executing complex and fast pieces.

• The pedal system: The grand piano is equipped with a pedal system that allows the musician to modify the instrument’s sound. The sustain pedal, typically located on the right, sustains long notes while other notes are played, creating a resonance and depth effect. The soft pedal, on the left, reduces the number of strings struck by the hammers, producing a softer, more intimate sound. Finally, the sostenuto pedal, generally in the center, can be used for various purposes depending on the piano model.

The Importance and Legacy of the Grand Piano

The grand piano has played a fundamental role in Western music and has been used by numerous world-renowned composers. Thanks to its expressive versatility and wide dynamic range,

the grand piano has been and remains a central figure in various musical genres, from classical music to jazz, pop, and rock.

In classical music, the grand piano has held a central role as both a solo and accompanying instrument. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Johann Sebastian Bach have written piano masterpieces that have pushed the instrument’s technical and expressive limits. The grand piano allowed them to convey complex emotions, creating an intense and engaging musical experience.

In jazz, the grand piano has become an iconic instrument, thanks to musicians like Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, and Thelonious Monk. The grand piano’s ability to play complex chords and improvise has made it a cornerstone of jazz language.

In pop and rock music, the grand piano has also left an indelible mark. Artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Queen have used the grand piano to create unforgettable melodies and richly nuanced arrangements.

Beyond its importance in music, the grand piano has left a significant mark on society and culture. The instrument has become a symbol of elegance and refinement and is often associated with elite culture. The presence of a grand piano in a home or concert hall adds a touch of prestige and class.

Additionally, the grand piano has played an important role in music education. It is one of the most studied and taught instruments in music schools worldwide. Studying the grand piano develops discipline, hand coordination, and musical ear, contributing to the formation of well-rounded musicians.

Types of Grand Pianos

The types of grand pianos are mainly distinguished by their size.

• Concert Grand Piano: These are the largest and most powerful grand pianos. Their length can exceed 2.7 meters. Concert grands are ideal for concert halls and venues requiring the highest sound quality and volume.
• Semi-Concert (or Ballroom) Grand: Slightly smaller than concert grands, these pianos usually range from 2.2 to 2.7 meters in length. They offer excellent sound quality and are suitable for professional performances and smaller venues.
• Parlor Grand (or Living Room Grand): These pianos typically range from 1.7 to 2.2 meters in length. They are a popular choice for schools, small auditoriums, and home use, offering a good balance between size and sound quality.
• Baby Grand: With lengths typically ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 meters, baby grands are among the most popular for home use. They offer the prestige and appearance of a grand piano in more manageable dimensions.
• Petite Grand: These are the smallest grand pianos, generally under 1.5 meters in length. They are ideal for small spaces, still providing the grand piano experience.

Differences Between a Grand Piano and an Upright Piano

• Structure and Size: Grand pianos have strings and soundboards positioned horizontally. Their length ranges from about 1.5 meters (baby grands) to over 2.7 meters for concert grands. This horizontal arrangement allows longer strings, particularly for bass notes.
  Upright pianos, also known as vertical pianos, have strings and soundboards arranged vertically, saving space. The length of the strings and soundboard size are generally smaller than those of grand pianos. Their height ranges from around 110 cm (spinet pianos) to 130 cm or more (professional uprights).
• Sound Quality and Richness: Thanks to their longer strings and larger soundboards, grand pianos produce a richer, fuller, and more resonant sound. They have a superior dynamic range and better response to touch nuances.
  Upright pianos, due to their smaller soundboards and shorter strings, generally produce less resonant and rich sound than grand pianos. However, high-quality models can deliver surprisingly good sound.
• Mechanism: The grand piano action, with hammers striking the strings from above and then falling by gravity, allows for faster note repetition and finer control of dynamics and expression.
  Upright piano mechanisms are more complex due to their vertical orientation. This can affect the speed of note repetition and touch sensitivity compared to grand pianos.
• Space and Placement: Grand pianos require a lot of space due to their larger dimensions and are preferred in concert halls, recording studios, and spacious homes.
  Upright pianos are ideal for smaller spaces such as apartments, schools, or practice rooms. They are more accessible and commonly used in homes, often placed against a wall, hence the name upright pianos.