Bartolommeo Cristofori is credited with inventing the pianoforte in 1709. Evolving from the harpsichord, pianos had several unusual configurations, including extra pedals, vertical strings, multi-keyboard, and different ranges. Todays modern version of the piano became standard in the mid-1800's. By the turn of the 20th century the piano was well entrenched into the musical psyche of America.
The piano became a popular instrument for several reasons.
- The piano contains all the notes that are played in the modern 12 tone scale. Where a trumpet or saxophone only has a few octaves in range, the piano has a 7+ octave range. This means the piano can be the bass, baritone, tenor, alto, and soprano voices at any time, making it the most versatile instrument on the stage.
- Pianos were the home entertainment center of the time. Before the advent of electricity, and with it radio, TV, and Internet, the piano was the social center of a household.
- With so many pianos, this meant there were lots of piano players. Most everyone had someone in the family who could tickle the ivories. This is not so much the case in today's multi-tasking world.
- Pianos were common in the church. Most people were exposed to music in their churches and pianos became indispensable for choir accompaniment. For many musicians it was the first instrument they ever touched was a piano.
As Blues music evolved from the field to the stage, the piano was integrated into the experience. Accomplished piano players started to encompass rootsy grooves with their polished chops. Beginner players were just playing what they feel instead of what was written on paper. Classical players began improvising, roots players began reading music. W.C. Handy made his name as the "Father of the Blues" by transcribing Blues music for the world to then learn.
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