
FAQ About Bartolomeo Cristofori

How did Cristofori's piano differ from the harpsichord and clavichord?
Unlike the harpsichord, which plucked strings, or the clavichord, which struck strings with a tangent, Cristofori's piano used hammers to strike strings. This design allowed musicians to vary the volume (dynamics) of their performance, which was not possible with the earlier instruments.