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The Piano

Piano
The sounds of an entire orchestra in just two hands... High and sparkling on top, low and bossy on the bottom.

An Italian harpsicord maker named Bartolomeo Cristofori invented this new instrument in the 1700s called the “pianoforte.” Cristofori's pianoforte could play both soft (piano) and loud (forte), revolutionizing keyboard music. Today, we call it: the piano. By Beethoven's time in the early 1800s, the piano had become a central instrument in classical music. Beethoven's "Fur Elise" (“For Elise”) is one of the most famous piano pieces ever written. You’ve probably heard its opening notes before. The identity of "Elise" remains a mystery... possibly a nickname for one of Beethoven's students. If Beethoven were still alive, he would be pretty shocked that this tiny piece of music went viral in the late 1800s and that we still hum it today. Music featured in the segment: 1. Claude Debussy: Arabesque #1 2. Ludwig van Beethoven: Fur Elise 3. J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C 4. Sergei Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini More music to explore: Frédéric Chopin: Etude in C Major, “Waterfall” Alicia Keys: Girl on Fire Billy Joel: Vienna

MORE TO DISCOVER

How Teresa Carreño Inspired Generations of Pianists, Composers, and Conductors Worldwide

How Teresa Carreño Inspired Generations of Pianists, Composers, and Conductors Worldwide

Explore the life and legacy of Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan virtuoso known as "La Valquiria" and "La Leona del piano". Discover her impact on music as a pianist, soprano, composer, and conductor.

03/08/2025
Clara Schumann Returns to the Limelight

Clara Schumann Returns to the Limelight

Explore the life of Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the Romantic era, who defied norms, balanced family and career, and whose work is gaining recognition.

03/07/2025
A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.

09/21/2024
WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers.

07/22/2024
Classical Californians: Garrick Ohlsson

Classical Californians: Garrick Ohlsson

This week's Classical Californian is concert pianist Garrick Ohlsson

04/03/2024
Classical Californians: Althea Waites

Classical Californians: Althea Waites

Classical Californian pianist Althea Waites shares her favorite performances, including works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Verdi.

03/27/2024