The keyboard instrument, particularly the modern piano, evolved from several earlier instruments. The primary ancestors of the keyboard instruments include:
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Harpsichord: A stringed instrument that produces sound by plucking strings when keys are pressed. It was popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
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Clavichord: Another stringed instrument, but it produces sound by striking the strings with a tangential action. It offers more expressive capabilities and was commonly used for practice and intimate performances.
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Organ: A keyboard instrument that produces sound by forcing air through pipes. The organ has a long history, especially in church music.
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Fortepiano: An early version of the piano that was developed in the 18th century. It allowed for greater dynamic range compared to its predecessors, leading eventually to the modern piano.
The modern piano itself was developed in the early 18th century (around the 1700s) by Bartolomeo Cristofori, combining features from these earlier instruments to create a versatile instrument that allowed for both soft and loud dynamics. Over time, the piano has continued to evolve in terms of construction, sound production, and playability.
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