A Brief History of Pianos and Its Three Major Types

So, you are set to go to a piano shop in Singapore to buy your piano. However, did you know that the piano was first invented during the late eighteenth century? Also, that is a string instrument? Well, there is no question as to your passion and intrigue for the piano, but it would help you better in choosing your future piano if you know a thing or two about the instrument itself.

See, the buying process should not be that critical and also should not be that easy. A well-thought-out decision is always the best way to do things. Your first choice could always be changed and be improved with something else that you initially thought would not suit you. In this regard, this article would also talk about the types of piano that may or may not be an option for you as well.

Important things you need to know about the wonderful instrument of piano

A brief history

Invented in the western part of the globe, the piano has been an instrument of the nobles in the English and French court (two political powers during that time), and only musicians to entertain royalties could gain access, study, and make music. The instrument of the piano is a very adaptable instrument that could be played as a stand-alone or be part of something greater like the orchestra or a band. Its sound and pitch resemble that of a string and lyrical note, as it could create all types of music, from mellow, joyful, slow, and even storm-like sounds. All because of its composition and model making. Its sound can resonate in hallowed halls and even a room full of people, depending on where the instrument is placed.

The piano instrument is classified as a string instrument with the action of hammering, unlike with the usual string instruments that you need to pluck and pull. The piano can be either soft or loud, depending on its string capacity and body. It also serves as the centerpiece of an instrument in an ensemble or it can also supplement the harmony, proving its versatility at its best.

After the eighteenth century and after a few populace revolts for equality, the instrument of piano then trickled down to ordinary people’s household to enjoy. Even middle-class families in the Western world have finally acquired the piano instrument, also thanks to piano shops that supplied the masses.

That was the same time when piano geniuses such as Bach and Mozart finally made magic with the instrument, giving birth to many wonderful and classic pieces that are still studied even to this date. People who study the piano repertory, from being a solo instrument to a chamber one (those used in chapels and churches), to an orchestral one is considered as the iconic image of the Western music culture.

The many types of piano

After that quick history lesson, we are going to talk about the types of the piano to better explain the options you have when you visit a piano shop in Singapore.

1. Grand piano

As aforementioned, the piano is a versatile instrument and it could be used as a solo instrument and an orchestral one, and for the latter, the grand piano is always the best choice. This type of piano also has three sub-categories which are the concert grand piano, the parlour grand piano, and the baby grand piano.

All used in three different scenarios because of their sizes and build. The concert grand piano has longer strings and stronger sound and pitch compared to the two. It also has lower harmony that gives the strongest flavour in an orchestra. Whereas the parlour grand piano, the middle child, would simply be the one to be called the grand piano. It is the average-sized one that could be used in large houses and rehearsal studios, even in recital schools and halls that are not too big. Ranging from six to seven feet, this one is the best go-to if you need a  grand piano but do not want to spend much. Lastly, there is the baby grand piano which is the smallest amongst the three, it could be claimed as the piano for every household. It ranges from five to six feet and is good for personal and sole use when you want to make sweet music at home, this is the best one for you. It also does not require much piano maintenance compared to the prior two.

2. The upright piano

Compared to the grand piano, an upright piano is compact and smaller. There is no need to deal with space problems because an upright piano could simply be placed against the wall or by the corner of your room. It has a flat back and well, it is upright. It has a bit of a higher pitch sound that can be better when you are making solo music on your own. It is almost fifty inches in height, and it is called the piano for professional music writers. It is easy to perfect its piano tuning since it is smaller and easier to maintain.

3. The electric piano

This last type of piano is what you can see being used by modern musicians today, it is also called a keyboard. The electric piano is indeed a board with piano keys, that can make many variations of sounds. Better used for creating pop music and beats, an electrical piano is a good choice if you are creating music without boundaries.

Now that you know all of these, you can visit a piano rental in Singapore and start making music with the majestic instrument of the piano. Visit our website now.