From the Clavichord to the Modern Piano - Part 2 of 2

Summary

This script offers an insightful exploration of piano evolution, contrasting the South German Viennese-style piano with the modern Steinway. It delves into the mechanics, such as hammers covered in deer skin and the escapement, which allows for a distinctive tone. The absence of a pedal and the use of knee levers for dampers and the moderator effect are highlighted. The script also discusses the transition to a metal-framed piano, the introduction of the cast iron plate, and the expansion of the piano's range and power. A comparative listening experience of Mozart's music on both instruments illustrates the shift in sound from the 18th to the 19th century, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical instruments to enhance modern piano performance.

Takeaways

• 🎹 The piano's action mechanism involves a hammer that strikes the string and then returns without making a sound, facilitated by the escapement.
• 🦌 The hammer heads are traditionally covered with deer skin, with some pianos using the fuzzy side for a different tonal quality.
• 🔨 The script describes the action of the piano keys and hammers, including the back check and escapement, which are crucial for the piano's sound production.
• 🎶 The piano's tone color changes as the volume increases, with the treble range likened to woodwinds and the bass having a deeper, resonant quality.
• 👀 The absence of a modern pedal on the older piano is noted, with the use of the knee to lift dampers and a moderator to mute the sound.
• 📚 The historical context of the piano's development is provided, mentioning the transition from wood to metal frames and the introduction of the cast iron plate.
• 🎵 A comparison is made between the sound of an older piano, which Mozart would have played, and a modern Steinway piano.
• 🛠️ The modern piano's construction is highlighted, with a focus on the massive cast iron plate that supports the tension of the strings.
• 📈 The evolution of the piano's size and power is discussed, with the modern piano offering a broader range and greater volume.
• 🎼 The importance of understanding historical instruments for performing music of their respective periods is emphasized.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the escapement in a piano?

The escapement in a piano allows the hammer to hit the string and then fall back without making a 'thunk' sound, enabling the hammer to return to its resting position without interference.

Why are the hammer heads of the piano covered with deer skin?

The hammer heads are covered with deer skin to provide a softer and more nuanced sound. During the time period when this piano was made, piano builders experimented with using either the shiny or fuzzy side of the deer skin, and this particular piano uses the fuzzy side.

What is the purpose of the back check in a piano action?

The back check in a piano action prevents the hammer from bouncing back like someone on a trampoline, ensuring a controlled return to its resting position after striking the string.

How does the tone color of the piano described in the script differ from that of a modern piano?

The piano described has a less loud but interesting tone color. The treble range is compared to woodwinds, particularly the clarinet, while the bass has a more resonant sound. This is in contrast to the louder and more powerful sound of a modern piano.

What is the role of the moderator in a piano?

The moderator is a feature that allows the player to interpose a layer of felt between the hammers and the strings using the left knee. This creates a muted and muffled tone color, offering an additional tonal option that was lost when the moderator was discontinued.

Why did the moderator feature disappear from pianos?

The moderator feature disappeared from pianos as they evolved, and it was never present on English pianos, which are more direct ancestors of the modern piano. The change in design and the desire for a more powerful and brilliant sound led to its removal.

What is the significance of the metal parts in the construction of a modern piano?

The metal parts, particularly the cast iron plate, are significant in modern pianos because they support the immense tension of the strings, which can reach up to 30 tons. This construction allows for a more powerful and brilliant sound.

How did the invention by an American named Babcock influence piano design?

Babcock invented the idea of incorporating metal parts into the piano's construction to support the instrument, which was a significant development leading to the modern piano's design.

What is the difference in the number of keys between the piano described in the script and a modern piano?

The piano described has a range from F3 to G3, which is 58 notes, while a modern piano has a range from A0 to C8, which is 88 notes.

How does the tone color change when playing the modern piano compared to the older piano?

On a modern piano, the volume can change significantly from the softest to the loudest sound, but the tone color remains basically the same. The tone gets more massive as the volume increases, reflecting the different musical needs of the time.

What is the importance of studying historical pianos for modern piano players?

Studying historical pianos and understanding how they work can modify a modern piano player's approach, leading to a clearer and nicer performance on the modern instrument. It helps players appreciate the evolution of the piano and the music of different eras.