Bartolomeo Cristofori the inventor of the Piano

After reading this article, I have a much better appreciation for the piano as I sit down and pound out some beginning songs.  ( not after 8pm, please the downstairs neighbors have a baby).  It was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori. The other keyboard instrument the Harpsichord is very nice, and has a beautiful tone, but it cannot get louder or softer.  Musicians wanted to be able to put more expression into their playing, so the search was on for an improved tone. 

Bartolomeo cristofori was the man of the hour, or of the year for inventing the piano.  

This link gives the bare basics, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/technology/who-invented-piano-10-things-5634135

This link give more details:  http://www.piano-keyboard-guide.com/who-invented-the-piano.html

Key Terms

hammer mechanism instrumental  the spinettone, a kind of harpsichord, and the more original oval spinet  enhanced or dampened the sound

Questions

• When did Bartolomeo Cristofori invent the piano? 
• Why did it become popular?
• What is the mechanism that make its sound unique?
• Who did he work for? 
• How many pianos that he built are still in existence?
• Which keys were black and which were white on the first pianos?

Lesson Plan by Rachael Alice Orbach - Professional English teacher