PIANO = SOFT
PIANO is abbreviated as a lower-case italicized p.
FORTE = LOUD
FORTE is abbreviated as a lower-case italicized f.
The piano was the first keyboard instrument that allowed the performer to vary the volume by the use of a pedal.
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The full name of the modern-day piano was originally the “fortepiano” and later, “pianoforte.”
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Since the predecessor of the piano, the harpsichord, did not allow for dynamic variation, the unique aspect of the fortepiano was its capability to be played softly and loudly. Its name later was shortened to “piano.”
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