Some common sayings associated with the piano include “tickling the ivories” and “playing the keys.” These sayings refer to the act of playing the piano and highlight the tactile nature of the instrument.
Detailed response to the query
The piano is an iconic musical instrument that has inspired numerous sayings and proverbs. From whimsical expressions to profound musings, these sayings reflect the unique and exquisite nature of the piano. Here are some interesting sayings associated with the piano:
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“Tickling the ivories”: This popular phrase refers to playing the piano. It conveys the image of delicately and skillfully touching the smooth ivory keys, creating beautiful music. The term “ivories” is derived from the fact that piano keys were traditionally made from ivory, although modern pianos now use synthetic materials.
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“Playing the keys”: Another common saying used to describe playing the piano is “playing the keys.” It emphasizes the physical act of pressing the keys to produce music.
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“The piano is a monster that screams when you touch its teeth”: This expressive quote by Spanish pianist and composer Enric Granados highlights the power and intensity that can be elicited from the piano. It metaphorically portrays the piano as a monstrous creature capable of creating captivating and soul-stirring melodies.
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“When words fail, music speaks”: This timeless quote by Hans Christian Andersen beautifully captures the profound emotional impact that music, including piano compositions, can have. It suggests that music has a unique ability to convey emotions and connect with people on a deeper level, often transcending the limitations of language.
Interesting Facts about the Piano:
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The modern piano evolved from earlier keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord and the clavichord.
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The piano’s precursor, the harpsichord, was unable to produce varying degrees of loudness (dynamics) because its strings were plucked. The invention of the piano revolutionized music by introducing the capability to produce both soft and loud sounds through the use of hammers striking the strings.
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The piano’s standard keyboard consists of 88 keys: 52 white keys and 36 black keys. Each key represents a different musical note.
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The oldest piano in existence, built by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy around 1720, is called the “Queen’s Piano” and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
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Famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt was known for his virtuosic and flamboyant playing style. He was one of the first pianists to give solo piano recitals, setting the stage for the modern concert pianist.
Now, let’s take a look at a table comparing some key features of the piano:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Consists of 88 keys, with black and white keys representing musical notes. |
| Sound production | Uses hammers striking strings to produce sound. |
| Range | Spans a wide range of pitches, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble notes. |
| Versatility | Capable of playing a vast range of musical genres, from classical to jazz and pop. |
| Size | Comes in various sizes, from small upright pianos to grand concert pianos. |
In conclusion, the piano has not only inspired beautiful music but also a collection of sayings that capture its distinct characteristics. From “tickling the ivories” to profound quotes about the power of music, these sayings celebrate the piano’s unique role in the world of music.
Video response to your question
In the YouTube video entitled “What is Melodic Phrasing in Piano Music and How Do You Play It?”, the instructor discusses the concept of musical phrasing in sheet music and provides guidance on how to play it on the piano. Phrasing is indicated by slur lines in the music, which signify that certain notes should be played together as a musical phrase. This helps the notes flow smoothly and allows for the connection of musical ideas and melodies. Demonstrating the difference between playing with and without phrasing, the instructor shows how following the phrasing markings creates a seamless blend of notes, while ignoring them results in a “chunky” sound. Paying attention to these markings in sheet music is crucial for understanding the musical ideas and creating distinct breaks between different sections of the music.
I found further information on the Internet
Mnemonics for Piano Notes
- Treble clef lines (E-G-B-D-F): Traditional: Every Good Boy Does Fine.
- Treble clef spaces (F-A-C-E): Traditional: FACE (like the one holding your nose)
- Bass clef lines (G-B-D-F-A): Recreational: Good Bikes Don’t Fall Apart.
- Bass clef spaces (A-C-E-G): Musical: American Composers Envy Gershwin.
Quotes About the Piano 1. “The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.” — Thelonious Monk, American Jazz Pianist, and Composer 2. “The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.” — Ray Charles 3. “There’s nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.”
Piano Quotes to Celebrate the Beauty of This Grand Instrument Sometimes I can only groan, and suffer, and pour out my despair at the piano. – Frederic Chopin The piano ain’t got no wrong notes. – Thelonious Monk The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal, and vibrating air. – Kenneth Miller
If you’re in a rush, check out our top 5 favorite quotes about piano by famous composers:
- “Sometimes I can only groan, and suffer, and pour out my despair at the piano.”
Related facts
More intriguing questions on the topic
- Every Good Boy Does Fine.
- Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.
- Eating Green Bananas Disgusts Friends.
- Elephants Got Big Dirty Feet.
- Even George Bush Does Fart (for adult students)
- Spaces: FACE.
- “ I wish the government would put a tax on pianos for the incompetent.”
- “ The public is like a piano.
- “ What has keys but can’t listen to the beauty it unlocks?
- “ The piano is a monster that screams when you touch its teeth.” –
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