ABSTRACT

The hammer is the primary part that distinguishes the piano from all other stringed keyboard instruments. Its introduction (ca. 1698-1700) by BARTOLOMEO CRISTO FORI into what was essentially a harpsichord created a new instrument, percussive in nature, with a wider range of expression than was possible with any of the keyboard instruments of the day. This opened the door to subsequent experimentation and advancement in design and construction in order to take advantage of the tonal production possibilities of the hammer, which in turn contributed to the development of new, more emotionally expressive forms of music.