World Piano Day is celebrated on the 88th day of the year.
Today i.e. March 29, World Piano Day is being celebrated all over the world. World Piano Day was started in 2015 by Nils Frahm. Let us know that it is celebrated every year on the 88th day of the year and there is a very special reason for this. Indeed, a standard piano consists of 88 keys, 52 white and 36 black, and that is why the tradition of celebrating the 88th day of the year began. This day is dedicated to music lovers, pianis and the history of this magnificent instrument. On this occasion, we take you on a journey in the world of piano and try to tell about its importance, history, technology and cultural effects.
Piano’s invention and history
The invention of the piano is credited to the Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy. He invented this instrument around 1700. Till that time, musical instruments such as HarpCard and Clavicord were popular in music, but one of the drawbacks was that their sound intensity ie volume could not be controlled. Christopori created an instrument that could control the slow and sharp sound, which he named ‘Gravisembalo Cole Piano A Forte’, which means ‘slow and sharp -tone Harpasikard.’ Later it was briefly called ‘piano’.
Piano’s invention was a revolutionary step in the history of music. Do you know that only 3 of the original piano made by Christopori are left today? These precious instruments have been placed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, National Museum of Musical Instruments in Rome and Lipzing University in Germany.
Some interesting facts related to the piano.
What is the story of development of piano?
The design and technology of the piano changed rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The wood frame replaced the iron frame, so that it could tolerate the stress of heavy wires. There is a total tension of up to 20 tonnes on the wires of an average piano. This complexity makes it so unique. In the 19th century, the piano became popular from house to house, especially in Europe and America. It was not only an instrument, but also a symbol of social status. At that time it was considered an integral part of the ‘drawing room’, where family and guests enjoyed music.
Piano became the inspiration of many great musicians
Piano inspired many great musicians in the world. Musicians such as Wolfgang Amadayus Mozart, Ludwig Wan Bethoven, Frederic Shopan and Franz List made compositions for piano which are still classical today. Beethoven, who later became deaf, touched the piano in his last days and composed music with its vibration. His ‘Moonlight Sonata’ is still one of the most popular compositions of Piano.
Shopan was called ‘Poet of the Piano’. Their compositions, such as ‘Nacturns’ and ‘Baldes’, reflect the emotional depth of the piano. On the other hand, the Franz List with its technical skills made Piano a superstar of solo performance. In the concert of this pianist of Hungary, the audience became so crazy that his crazy became famous as ‘Lisztomania’.
Piano became a status symbol only a few years after its invention.
What are the types of piano?
In today’s time, the piano is available in many forms. The Grand Piano, which is usually seen in the concert hall, is known for its grandeur and sharp sound. It can be 6 to 9 feet long. On the other hand, upright piano is suitable for small locations and is popular in homes. Nowadays digital piano is also quite in vogue, which are light and cheap. At the same time, there is also a ‘silent piano’, in which practice can be done without making noise by applying headphones. It is a great fusion of modern technology and traditional music.
Piano’s cultural effect
Piano has left its mark not only in classical music, but also in Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop. Artists like Elvis Presley, Billy Joel and Elton John have given piano a new identity in modern music. In Bollywood too, piano’s melodious tunes are heard in famous songs like ‘Dil Find Hai’ (Mausam) and ‘Tujhse Nahi Nahin Zindagi’ (innocent).
What is the importance of World Piano Day?
German composer Nils Frahm started World Piano Day in 2015. The aim of Frahm behind starting this day was that people shared their love for the piano, whether they are professional or amateur. On this day, piano concerts, workshops and online events are organized worldwide. It is becoming popular as a great opportunity to connect people through music.
Explain that playing the piano is not only entertainment, but also for mental and physical health. It activates both parts of the brain, increases memory and concentration. It is a means of creative expression for children, while the way of reducing stress for youth and old people. So on this World Piano Day, whether you play it, listen or learn about it, do anything but please enjoy its music.
