The Piano-Forte
The Piano-Forte

Author: Rosamond E. M. Harding

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2014-07-24

Total Pages: 529

ISBN-13: 1107418275

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Originally published in 1933, this book provides a detailed history of the piano-forte from its invention in Italy in the eighteenth century until the presentation of the first European cast-iron frame for a piano at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Harding also analyses the role of the piano as a replacement for a chamber orchestra and its history as a domestic instrument. The text is richly illustrated with images of pianos produced by a variety of makers over time, as well as with images of piano machinery taken from patent registrations. This thoroughly-researched book will be of value to anyone with an interest in one of the most ubiquitous instruments in the Western world and the history of its development.

The Music of Life
The Music of Life

Author: Elizabeth Rusch

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2017-04-18

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 1481444859

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Award-winning biographer Elizabeth Rusch and two-time Caldecott Honor–recipient Marjorie Priceman team up to tell the inspiring story of the invention of the world’s most popular instrument: the piano. Bartolomeo Cristofori coaxes just the right sounds from the musical instruments he makes. Some of his keyboards can play piano, light and soft; others make forte notes ring out, strong and loud, but Cristofori longs to create an instrument that can be played both soft and loud. His talent has caught the attention of Prince Ferdinando de Medici, who wants his court to become the musical center of Italy. The prince brings Cristofori to the noisy city of Florence, where the goldsmiths’ tiny hammers whisper tink, tink and the blacksmiths’ big sledgehammers shout BANG, BANG! Could hammers be the key to the new instrument? At last Cristofori gets his creation just right. It is called the pianoforte, for what it can do. All around the world, people young and old can play the most intricate music of their lives, thanks to Bartolomeo Cristofori’s marvelous creation: the piano.

The Early Pianoforte
The Early Pianoforte

Author: Stewart Pollens

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1995-09-14

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 9780521417297

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This is the first comprehensive study of the history and technology of the early piano.

Sunday Sketching
Sunday Sketching

Author: Christoph Niemann

Publisher: ABRAMS

Published: 2018-07-03

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 1683355466

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“A meditation on the creative process . . . a reminder that even the brightest creative minds face challenges when making consistently great work.” —Wired From award-winning artist and author Christoph Niemann comes a collection of witty illustrations and whimsical views on working creatively. Taking its cue from his New York Times column Abstract Sunday, this book covers Niemann’s entire career and showcases brilliant observations of contemporary life through sketches, travel journals, and popular newspaper features. The narrative guides readers through Christoph’s creative process, how he built his career, and how he overcomes the internal and external obstacles that creative people face—all presented with disarming wit and intellect. Enhanced with nearly 350 original images, this book is a tremendous inspirational and aspirational resource. “A frank and inspirational look at the trials and tribulations of a life spent producing artworks that have been seen the world over.” —It’s Nice That

What a Lovely Sound!
What a Lovely Sound!

Author: Starr Meneely

Publisher:

Published: 2013-11

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9780957537132

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Sometimes when you sit silently you hear sounds you've never heard before. And when you stop and listen you realise it's just the music. Join Melody Jane as she leaves the bustling city and finds music in the most unexpected place.