Piano Ancestors

Question 1

Clavichord

Answer 1

16th century - Sound is produced by small brass wedges contacting the string. Vibrato possible, oblong wooden box of 2x5 ft

Question 2

Harpsichord

Answer 2

14-15th century - Sound is produced when the front of the key is depressed, the jack rises and the plectrum is forced past the string and plucks the string. Terraced dynamics

Question 3

Pianoforte

Answer 3

18th century - Modern invention of Bartolomeo Cristofori. A keyboard instrument distinguished by the fact that its strings are struck by rebounding hammers rather than plucked