Square Piano
|
The strings of the square (actually rectangular) piano run horizontally across the instrument from side to side, like those of a clavichord, which probably was the source of the design. The earliest square pianos were difficult to keep in tune, but engineering improvements and the introduction of metal frames stabilized the case. The compass gradually grew from the original five octaves but seldom reached the 88-key range of modern pianos [22]. The main difference between a modern Piano and Square Pianos is the addition of the iron plate. The iron plate gives modern Pianos their strength, allowing them to have heavier strings, bigger hammers, higher and lower notes, and a generally bigger sound. The first public solo piano performance was by J.C. Bach using this piano in England.
|