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The Piano: History and Role in the Modern World
The modern piano developed
its form from two keyboard instruments, the clavichord
and the harpsichord, which originated from early in
music history. These keyboard instruments operate on
the principle of direct connection between the applied
force or pressure of the player on the keys, and the
volume of sound. Meaning, the harder the pressure or
force the player applies on the keys, the louder the
sound of the instrument, the lighter the touch, the
softer the sound.
Earlier musicians, however, encountered
a problem with the clavichord and harpsichord: the sound
was relatively diminutive as compared to how they would
have wanted it to be, considering the fact that keyboard
instruments were often played in large rooms (chambers),
cathedrals and churches.
Around the year 1700, Italian instrument
maker Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655-1731) created the
new keyboard instrument and coined its name from the
fact that it could both play "piano" (soft)
and "forte" (loud), addressing the problem
of the old keyboard instruments. Thus, the pianoforte,
or what we call shortly now as the piano.
Aside from the direct connection between
the fingers on the keys and the sound, the piano also
has two different pedals which are the “sustain”
or damper pedal and the “soft” pedal. The
sustain pedal allows the pianist to hold the tone or
sound even after releasing the key. The soft pedal veils
or muffles the sound. There is also a third pedal called
the “sostenuto” pedal. However, not all pianos
have this.
Other kinds of keyboard instruments
include the pipe organ which was most prominent from
1600-1750, when it was commonly used for church music
and considered then as the "king of instruments".
The accordion is also another kind of keyboard instrument,
as well as the modern organ and electric keyboard.
The role of the piano in the modern
world is very versatile. The piano can cover a wide
range of musical types from classical to pop to jazz.
It can cater to a wide variety of audiences from music
connoisseurs in concerts or artists in theatres, to
children and pupils in pre-schools. Very noticeably
too, piano students can very well play other instruments
as well, even without its formal training.
The piano is also a very relevant tool
in the culture of society. Since the turn of the 20th
century, many households have been able to acquire their
very own piano. From this assessment, we can infer that
modern society believes in the benefits of studying
music and piano in particular.
In almost every gathering (social, religious
and even political), one cannot undermine the important
role of music. It expresses ideals. It bonds the youth.
It provides for a positive, productive & creative
channeling for this generation's aggression and collective
angst.
The importance of music on the development
of a person, and eventually, of society cannot be understated.
Perhaps its time to rethink how this important element
of cultural and social development in our society has
been treated.
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