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This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.

The Spread of the Fortepiano and Why It Didnʼt Initially Spread

1. Technical Immaturity: Early pianos were not yet technically mature and had issues with sound quality and touch compared to other keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord. Until improvements were made, the pianoʼs tone and feel were inferior to the harpsichord, hindering its spread.
2. Manufacturing Costs: The early pianos were expensive to produce, making them inaccessible to many people. Harpsichords and clavichords were already widely used, and their manufacturing costs were lower than those of pianos, so many households and musicians could not afford to purchase a piano.
3. Immature Playing Techniques: Early pianos required new playing techniques. Different touch and dynamics were needed compared to the harpsichord and clavichord, and mastering these took time. Additionally, many musicians were skeptical of the new instrument, which hindered its spread.
4. Influence of Musical Culture: In the early 18th century, musical culture was centered around the harpsichord and clavichord, and there was little repertoire for the piano. It took time for composers to write works that utilized the pianoʼs characteristics, and in the meantime, works for the harpsichord and clavichord were predominant.
5. Time for Improvement and Spread: The spread of the piano took time, especially until technical improvements were made. For example, the early piano invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori underwent many improvements before it was finally accepted by the public. Particularly from the mid-18th century onwards, as improvements in the piano progressed and the range of tone and dynamics expanded, its spread accelerated.

These factors combined to delay the widespread adoption of the piano after its invention.

I continued with the question: "Couldnʼt pieces for the clavichord be played on the pianos of that time?"

Indeed, pieces composed for the clavichord could often be played on the pianos of that time. However, there are several reasons why the spread of the piano was still delayed.

1. Differences in Tone and Touch: The clavichord is an instrument with a very delicate tone and dynamics, capable of expressing subtle nuances. In contrast, early pianos had immature tones and lacked the delicacy of the clavichord. Therefore, playing clavichord pieces on the piano sometimes did not achieve the same musical effect.
2. Composersʼ Intentions: Composers often wrote pieces to take advantage of the specific characteristics of an instrument, and pieces written for the clavichord were based on its characteristics. As a result, playing pieces intended for the clavichord on the piano could alter the musical expression intended by the composer.
3. Musical Culture and Habits: In the early 18th century, musical culture was dominated by the clavichord and harpsichord, and musicians were accustomed to these instruments. It took time for interest and appreciation for the new instrument, the piano, to grow. Additionally, since the instruments used in music education and performance were the clavichord and harpsichord, it took time for the piano to be generally accepted.
4. Supply and Demand of Instruments: At that time, pianos were expensive to produce and only a limited number were made. Meanwhile, clavichords and harpsichords were already widespread among many households and musicians, and only a limited number of people could afford the new instrument, the piano. As a result, opportunities to play clavichord pieces on the piano were also limited.
5. Mastery of Playing Techniques: Playing the piano required new techniques and touch, and mastering these took time. Clavichord players could not immediately transition to the piano and needed to learn new techniques.

For these reasons, even though pieces for the clavichord could be played on the piano, the spread of the piano was delayed.

I further asked: “Why were the manufacturing costs of pianos high?”

The high manufacturing costs of pianos were due to several interrelated factors.

1. Complex Structure: The piano is an instrument with a very complex structure. In particular, the action mechanism (the system where pressing a key causes a hammer to strike a string) consists of many precise parts, requiring high skill to assemble accurately. Early pianos, in particular, had immature mechanisms, necessitating much trial and error to improve their completion.
2. Material Costs: The manufacture of pianos requires high-quality wood, metal (especially strings and frames), felt, and other materials. These materials were expensive, and using high-quality ones increased the price of the instrument. Additionally, selecting and drying the wood took time and effort, which was reflected in the cost.
3. Impact of Handcrafting: Early piano manufacturing was primarily done by handcrafting. Skilled craftsmen needed to hand-make each part and assemble them carefully. As a result, the time and labor required for manufacturing were significant, leading to high costs.
4. Process of Technological Innovation: Since its invention, the piano has undergone many technological innovations to reach its current form, and the research and development and trial and error during this process also incurred costs. Each time new technologies or structures were tested, failures and improvements were necessary, and these costs were passed on to the product price.
5. Balance of Supply and Demand: Initially, the demand for pianos was still limited. As a result, mass production was not conducted, leading to high manufacturing costs per unit. It was only in later times that costs decreased as demand increased and manufacturing technology advanced.
6. Logistics and Transportation Costs: Pianos are large and heavy instruments, and transporting the finished product required considerable effort and expense. Especially in the early 18th century, transportation means and logistics infrastructure were not as developed as they are today, which also contributed to higher costs.

These factors combined to make the manufacturing costs of early pianos high. With technological progress and the advancement of industrialization, the manufacturing costs of pianos gradually decreased, leading to their spread.

Next question: "What were the reasons that pianos began to spread about 60 years after their invention?"

The reasons pianos began to spread about 60 years after their invention involve the following factors.

1. Technical Improvements: The design and manufacturing technology of pianos were significantly improved. In particular, the evolution of the action mechanism, string tension, and frame structure allowed for richer tones and dynamics. This made the piano a more attractive instrument compared to other keyboard instruments.
2. Support from Composers and Performers: Many renowned composers and performers supported the piano and composed works for it. Notably, composers like Mozart and Beethoven created masterpieces for the piano, rapidly increasing the piano music repertoire. This led to a widespread recognition of the pianoʼs appeal.
3. Impact of the Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution from the late 18th to the 19th century brought advancements in manufacturing technology and logistics. This reduced the manufacturing costs of pianos, making them more accessible to more people. Factory production became possible, and mass production lowered prices, leading to widespread adoption.
4. Spread of Music Education: Music education expanded, and the piano played an important role as part of education. Piano education became widespread in homes, leading many households to purchase pianos. Additionally, music schools and conservatories emphasized piano education, advancing the training of professional performers.
5. Social and Cultural Changes: From the late 18th to the 19th century, music became accepted by a broader audience beyond the nobility and upper classes. The development of salon culture and the growing appreciation of music among citizens made the piano an important instrument in homes and social settings.
6. Efforts of Piano Manufacturers: Excellent piano manufacturers emerged, producing and selling high-quality pianos. Manufacturers like Stein, Broadwood, and Érard promoted technological innovation and supplied high-quality pianos to the market.

These factors combined to lead to the widespread adoption of the piano about 60 years after its invention.

Next question: "Were the technical improvements made gradually, or were they concentrated in the years just before the piano became widespread?"

The technical improvements of the piano were made gradually, but several important periods saw concentrated significant improvements. Below is a history of major improvements.

1. Cristoforiʼs Invention (circa 1700): Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the prototype of the piano. His design included the hammer action and escapement mechanism (a system where the hammer disengages from the string after pressing a key), which became the foundation of the piano.
2. Steinʼs Improvements (1760s): German piano maker Johann Andreas Stein developed a new action mechanism known as the Viennese action. This improved the touch and responsiveness of the piano, enhancing its expressive capabilities.
3. Broadwood and the English Action (1780s): John Broadwood improved the English action, enhancing the pianoʼs volume and dynamics. Additionally, Broadwoodʼs pianos had a sturdy structure, allowing for increased string tension, which enabled more powerful sounds.
4. Érardʼs Double Escapement (circa 1820): Sébastien Érard invented the double escapement action. This improvement allowed for faster response when pressing keys again, enabling rapid passages and delicate expressions. This technology is inherited in modern grand pianos.
5. Industrial Revolution and Mass Production (Early 19th Century): With the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing technology and materials science advanced. This improved the quality of pianos and reduced manufacturing costs. The introduction of iron frames and cross-stringing (a technique where strings are strung to cross each other) made the pianoʼs structure more robust and improved sound quality.

These technical improvements were made gradually over a long period, but many important improvements were concentrated particularly from the late 18th to the early 19th century. The improvements during this period led to the piano being widely recognized as an instrument with superior expressive capabilities compared to other keyboard instruments, accelerating its spread.

Along with technological advancements, social, cultural, and economic factors combined to lead to the widespread adoption of the piano about 60 years after its invention.

Final question: "Did the improvements lead to a reduction in the manufacturing costs of pianos?"

The improvements gradually led to a reduction in the manufacturing costs of pianos. Below are the main factors and their impacts.

1. Advancements in Manufacturing Technology: The development of industrial technology allowed for more efficient production of piano parts. Particularly with the influence of the Industrial Revolution, wood processing and metal parts manufacturing became mechanized, enabling mass production. This significantly reduced the manufacturing cost per unit.
2. Improvement of Materials: The materials used in piano manufacturing were improved, making more affordable and high-quality materials available. The introduction of iron frames and the use of high-tension strings improved the durability and sound quality of pianos while keeping costs down.
3. Standardization of Design: The design of pianos was standardized, and efficient manufacturing processes were established. This reduced the time and labor required to manufacture each piano, leading to cost savings.
4. Skilled Workforce: The skill level of craftsmen involved in piano manufacturing improved, increasing production efficiency. With more experienced craftsmen, production lines were operated more efficiently.
5. Market Expansion: As pianos became more widespread, the market expanded, and economies of scale came into play. Mass production reduced manufacturing costs, and as prices fell, demand increased, further contributing to cost reduction.
6. Continued Technological Innovation: Continuous technological innovation in piano manufacturing introduced new manufacturing methods and materials. This allowed for improved quality of pianos while keeping costs down.

These factors led to a gradual reduction in the manufacturing costs of pianos, making them more accessible to more people. The technical improvements and efficiency in manufacturing processes greatly contributed to the widespread adoption of pianos.

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