When was the piano invented?

Dulcimer,” the ancestor of the piano

Do you know how long the piano has existed?

The origin of the piano is very old, and it is said that the dulcimer instrument, which came to Europe from the Middle East in the 11th century, is the ancestor of the piano.

The piano can be classified as both a stringed instrument and a percussion instrument. The dulcimer is an instrument that combines the string element of generating sound through the resonance of the strings and the percussion element of striking the instrument with a hammer.

Clavichord” and “Harpsichord” keyboard instruments

The piano is also classified as a keyboard instrument in that it has a keyboard.

The organ, another keyboard instrument, has existed since ancient times, but the clavichord, whose sound-producing mechanism is similar to that of today’s piano, was invented in the 14th century, and by the Renaissance, the clavichord had become a familiar instrument to many people.

Furthermore, around 1500, about 180 years before Bach was born, the harpsichord was born. The strings and overall appearance of the harpsichord are very similar to those of today’s piano, and unlike the clavichord mentioned earlier, sound is produced by plucking the strings.

Clavicembalo cor piano-e forte.

The “clavicembalo col piano e forte,” the basis of the current piano, was invented in 1709 by an Italian, Cristofori. Unlike the harpsichord, which produces sound by plucking the strings, the clavicembalo uses hammers to strike the strings, making it easier to express the strength and weakness of the sound. The name “piano” as it is commonly called is derived from this model.