History of the Piano

By Kevin M
  • Sep 27, 1000

    Dulcimer 4 BC

    Dulcimer 4 BC
    The Dulcimer was the first form of a piano; it was around the birth of Christ. A person would have 2 hammers that he would use to hit the strings.
  • Sep 27, 1400

    Clavichord

    Clavichord
    The clavichord used a vertical brass strip lifted toward a pair of strings. The clavichord had a quiet tone but, it did allow the player to control dynamics and vibrato.

  • Virginal Piano

    Virginal Piano
    Instead of a hammer hitting the string the virginal used a rod that picked the string. It made a louder tone than the clavichord however, the virginal didn't have its dynamic variety.

  • The Cristofori Piano

    The Cristofori Piano
    The Cristofori Piano was the start of the monder day panio we know to day. It was made by Bartolommeo Cristofori in Italy. He made it to ware a harmer hits the string and quickly returns to let the string vibrate.

  • Upright Piano

    Upright Piano
    The upright piano is just like the grand piano but it was less expensive. The reason for this was becuase uprights are sensitive to temperature fluctuations from the soundboard’s position.