History Of The Piano

The information below describes the evolution of the Piano from its humble beginnings to its present day in chronological order:

• The influences of pre keyboard istruments and the evolution of the clavichord
• Harpsichord Family – Harpsichord, Virginals and Spinet
• Early Keyboard Instruments
• The Early Piano
• Development of the new instrument
• Prellmechanik and German Action (Viennese)
• appearance of the Piano in England
• The Square Piano in England + types of action
• The Grand Piano in England
• Improvements to the Grand Piano
• The Upright Piano
• The introduction of iron
• The Great Exhibition of 1851 - evolution of the upright
• Steinway & Sons
• Late Nineteenth Century - Twentieth Century and First world War
• Twentieth Century – Post First World War - The Recession
• Second World War - Present day
   

• List of dates in historical order of important events on the development of the Piano

For information on How a Piano is made, please visit 'An Overview of the Pianoforte' section.