The Evolution of the Piano
A journey through sound and keys

🎹 From Harpsichord to Hammer

Before the invention of the piano, composers wrote for the harpsichord. Bartolomeo Cristofori introduced the first piano around 1700, allowing for dynamic control via hammers.

🎼 Pianoforte to 88 Keys

Named "gravicembalo col piano e forte" (soft and loud), the pianoforte evolved into today’s modern instrument with 88 keys, popularized by Steinway in the late 1800s.

🎵 Extended Range

Some modern pianos go beyond, like Stuart & Sons' 108-key models, expanding sonic possibilities.

🔠 Natural Notes & Structure

The piano includes 12 distinct notes per octave—7 white keys (A–G) and 5 black keys (sharps/flats). Middle C anchors the layout, while octaves define pitch spans.

📏 Intervals

Half steps = adjacent keys (e.g., C to C♯), whole steps = two half steps (C to D).

🎹 Keyboard Layout