The Development of the Modern Piano

Which of the following is the oldest known string-based keyboard instrument?

• Harpsichord

• Clavichord

• Zither

• Celeste

One of the primary reasons for the Early Piano's difference in tone colour was:

• The bodies were made from denser, exotic woods

• The keys were made from ivory, rather than plastic

• The hammers were covered by different materials including deerskin, bare wood etc.

• There were only 58 keys on an Early Piano

Select all descriptor that apply to the Clavichord

• Not intended for public performance

• Occasionally incorporated into chamber string ensemble performances

• Mostly used to accompany voice

• Increased in size of time

• Most popular during late renaissance

The Modern Piano has this many keys:

Vibration occurs on a Harpsichord when the strings are:

• Struck

• Plucked

• Scraped

• Shaken

Which musical concept best describes the limitations of the Harpsichord?

• Pitch

• Texture

• Tone Colour

• Dynamics

The modern piano arrived during:

• 1850s-1860s

• 1820-1830s

• 1880s-1890s

• 1800s-1810s

The harpsichord was most popular during the late 1400s - 1790s

• True

• False

Select the main difference in the early piano, compared to the modern piano

• There were no pedals.

• Knees had to be used to soften and sustain notes in an early piano

• The early piano had a very limited range of tone colour

• The strings were much longer in early pianos

Select the main difference in the modern piano, compared to the early piano

• Features a cast-iron plate for increased strength, resonance and reverberance

• The modern piano has a similar range of notes

• Consistent tone colour, regardless of pitch

• Features a 'moderator', to achieve a harp-like tone