History of the Piano

over the centuries

That a musical instrument has continuously dominated such a large part of the epoch of music, since Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750), is indeed without comparison in the history of music. In fact, the influence of the piano in musical history of the western world can hardly be overestimated.

The development of the piano since Cristoforis’s genial invention has been mainly, imaginatively and vigorously shaped by German piano craftsmen. Gottfried Silbermann in Freiberg, Friederici in Gera, Zumpe, Stein in Augsburg and many more belong to the German pioneers of piano craftsmanship.

And down to these days pianos enrich our lives. Whether in social or classical circles, the piano plays a dominant role. For composers, it has always been a work tool, on which the tonal realization of a new composition took shape. For pianists, it is a medium to convoy atmosphere and feeling. For music connoisseurs, to listen to piano music means joy and relaxation. Despite all modern mediums, piano playing remains nurtured in many families, a standard ritual of daily life. Many are however unaware, that the pianoforte looks back on three hundred years of its own history.

Today the German und European tradition of fine Piano making is preserved and carried forward by the members of the Bundesverband Klavier e.V..