Piano Piano History & Composers

Question 1

Who is credited with inventing the piano around 1700?

Accepted Answer

Bartolomeo Cristofori

Answer

Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian instrument maker working in Florence, invented the piano around 1700.

Question 2

What was the original name Cristofori gave to his new instrument?

Accepted Answer

Gravicembalo col piano e forte

Answer

Cristofori called his invention 'gravicembalo col piano e forte,' meaning 'harpsichord with soft and loud,' which was later shortened to pianoforte.

Question 3

With which musical period is Ludwig van Beethoven primarily associated?

Accepted Answer

Classical/Early Romantic

Answer

Beethoven bridges the Classical and Romantic periods, with his early works following Classical models and later works pioneering Romantic expression.

Question 4

Who composed the famous 'Moonlight Sonata' (Piano Sonata No. 14)?

Accepted Answer

Ludwig van Beethoven

Answer

The Moonlight Sonata was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1801, dedicated to his student Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.

Question 5

Which composer is often called the 'Poet of the Piano'?

Accepted Answer

Frederic Chopin

Answer

Frederic Chopin is known as the 'Poet of the Piano' for his lyrical, expressive, and uniquely idiomatic piano compositions.

Piano Practice Test