The Piano-Forte
Its History Traced to the Great Exhibition of 1851

Originally published in 1933, this book provides a detailed history of the piano-forte.

Rosamond E. M. Harding (Author)

9781107418271, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 July 2014

528 pages
23 x 15.3 x 3.5 cm, 0.85 kg

Originally published in 1933, this book provides a detailed history of the piano-forte from its invention in Italy in the eighteenth century until the presentation of the first European cast-iron frame for a piano at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Harding also analyses the role of the piano as a replacement for a chamber orchestra and its history as a domestic instrument. The text is richly illustrated with images of pianos produced by a variety of makers over time, as well as with images of piano machinery taken from patent registrations. This thoroughly-researched book will be of value to anyone with an interest in one of the most ubiquitous instruments in the Western world and the history of its development.

Preface
List of plates
List of abbreviations
Part I. The Pianoforte in the Eighteenth Century: 1. The invention of the pianoforte in Italy
2. The invention of the pianoforte in France
3. The invention and development of the pianoforte in Germany
4. The tangent action and the cembalo stop
5. The pianoforte in England
6. Later developments in France
7. The pianoforte in America
8. The musical significance of the new instrument
Part II. The Pianoforte in the Nineteenth Century
Section 1. The Pianoforte as a Chamber Orchestra: 1. The pianoforte as a chamber orchestra
2. Devices for the purpose of sustaining the tone
3. Octave couplers and 'Duoclave' pianofortes
4. The influence of programme music upon the pianoforte
5. The influence of Turkish music upon the pianoforte
6. Turkish music and other pedals
Section 2. The Pianoforte as a Solo Instrument in the Early Nineteenth Century: 1. The concert grand pianoforte
2. Some improvements in the construction of the pianoforte relating to the production of a loud and sonorous tone
3. The metal frame
4. Pitch and temperament
Section 3. The Pianoforte as a Domestic Instrument: 1. The upright pianoforte
2. Some other types of pianofortes in the home
3. Pedal, transposing and self-acting pianofortes, experimental keyboards
4. Tuning the pianoforte and apparatus for keeping the pianoforte in tune
Appendix A. Technical terms
Appendix B. Bibliography
Appendix C. List of patents
Appendix D. Concerning wire
Appendix E. Felt-making
tinder and sponge for hammer heads
process of tanning leather for hammer heads
Appendix F. Prices of pianofortes and of materials used in their manufacture
Appendix G. Select list of English pianoforte makers in London and its environs up to the year 1851
Appendix H. A note on pedal signs
Index.

Subject Areas: Music [AV]