If you’re a fan of music, you’ve likely fallen under the captivating spell of the piano.
The piano holds a special place in the hearts of musicians and music lovers alike, and today, we’re celebrating it's rich legacy with a few fun facts that highlight why it continues to inspire so many.
The piano, an instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians for centuries, is filled with interesting history and surprising characteristics. From its humble beginnings to its current iconic status, here are some fun and enlightening facts about the piano that highlight its unique charm.
1. The Piano Was Created as an Alternative to the Harpsichord
The piano was invented in the early 18th century by Italian harpsichord maker Bartolomeo Cristofori. Tired of the harpsichord’s inability to vary volume, Cristofori aimed to create an instrument that could respond to a player’s touch with both soft and loud sounds. His invention was called un cimbalo di cipresso di piano e forte, meaning a keyboard of cypress with soft and loud.
Over time, this name was shortened to pianoforte — the precursor to the modern piano we all know today. Cristofori’s invention changed music forever, allowing musicians to express a much broader range of emotions and dynamics.
2. Guinness World Record: Fastest Pianist
Domingos Antonio Gomes currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest pianist. In a mind-blowing feat, he played the note B7 a staggering 824 times in just 60 seconds — that's over 13 hits per second! His incredible speed and dexterity on the piano are a testament to the impressive skill and precision required to master the instrument.
Fastest piano key hitting - Guinness World Records
Video by Guinness World Records
3. A Dual Identity: Percussive and Stringed
The piano is unique in that it can be classified as both a percussion and stringed instrument. While it's body houses strings, it is technically a percussion instrument because small hammers strike those strings to produce sound. This dual nature gives the piano its ability to create both rhythmic intensity and melodic beauty. From deep bass tones to bright treble notes, the piano offers a rich spectrum of sound that blends percussive beats with melodic harmonies.
4. The First Electric Keyboard Was Made in 1874
Elisha Gray's invention of the first electric keyboard in 1874 revolutionized music-making. The instrument could generate two octaves of an electric buzzing sound, expanding the sonic possibilities of keyboard instruments. Today, electric keyboards have evolved significantly, and digital innovations continue to shape the sound and versatility of keyboards in the modern music world.
5. Mental Health Benefits of Playing the Piano
Learning and playing the piano offer numerous mental health benefits. Research shows that playing the piano can enhance cognitive abilities, including language skills and academic performance. The piano also serves as a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression, helping people of all ages manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It’s a beautiful combination of creativity, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation.
6. The “Piano Olympics” Are a Real Thing
Every four years, top pianists from around the world compete in the prestigious International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht, Netherlands. Known as the Piano Olympics, this competition showcases the best of global talent and celebrates virtuosity and musical excellence. It’s a true celebration of the piano’s power to inspire and transform.
7. Piano Keys Used to Be Made from Real Ivory
The phrase tickling the ivories originates from the time when piano keys were made from real ivory, sourced from elephant tusks. This practice continued for centuries until growing concerns about wildlife conservation led to the adoption of synthetic materials for modern piano keys. Despite this change, the charming phrase endures as a nostalgic reminder of the piano’s history.
8. The Oldest Piano in Existence Is from 1720
The oldest surviving piano in existence was crafted in 1720 by Bartolomeo Cristofori, and it remains in excellent condition. Three of Cristofori's pianos still survive today, with the oldest housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. At over 300 years old, this piano is a true testament to the enduring legacy of Cristofori’s groundbreaking invention.
The piano’s rich history and remarkable qualities continue to captivate musicians and music lovers alike. Whether it's a record-breaking performance or a simple melody, the piano remains an instrument of unparalleled versatility, beauty, and emotional depth.
