Fortepiano vs. Pianoforte — What's the Difference?

The fortepiano and the pianoforte are two names for the same instrument, which is the precursor to the modern piano. The term "fortepiano" is derived from the Italian words "forte" (loud) and "piano" (soft), highlighting the instrument's capability to produce sounds with varying dynamics, unlike its predecessors. Whereas, "pianoforte" is simply these terms reversed, emphasizing the same characteristic of dynamic range but is more commonly used in some languages and historical contexts.

The fortepiano and pianoforte were used interchangeably to describe the early keyboard instrument invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in the early 18th century. This instrument was revolutionary because it allowed performers to play notes with different levels of volume depending on how hard they struck the keys. Over time, however, the term "fortepiano" has come to specifically denote the earlier versions of the instrument, particularly those used in the 18th and early 19th centuries, which have a lighter and more delicate sound than modern pianos. "Pianoforte" is often used to refer to the instrument throughout its history, including both the early versions and the more developed forms that closer resemble the modern piano. The pianoforte of the late 19th century, for example, had undergone significant developments in terms of mechanism and sound production, leading to a richer and more powerful sound that paved the way for the modern concert grand piano.

The construction and mechanics of the fortepiano differ from those of later pianofortes and modern pianos. Fortepianos typically have a lighter frame and thinner strings, which contribute to their distinct sound quality. They also often feature fewer keys than modern pianos. In contrast, the pianoforte, especially as it evolved, included innovations such as the use of metal frames and thicker strings, leading to a greater volume and the ability to sustain notes longer.

Musicians and composers of the Classical era, such as Mozart, Haydn, and early Beethoven, composed specifically for the fortepiano, taking advantage of its expressive capabilities. The evolution of the pianoforte throughout the 19th century aligned with the Romantic movement, accommodating and inspiring composers like Chopin, Liszt, and later Beethoven, who sought a broader dynamic range and more sonorous quality.

In contemporary contexts, the preference for the term "fortepiano" or "pianoforte" can also reflect a focus on historically informed performance practices. Musicians specializing in the performance of 18th and early 19th-century music often prefer the fortepiano for its authentic sound, which is more faithful to the timbre and dynamics of the period's music. Meanwhile, the broader term "pianoforte" can encompass a wider range of historical and modern instruments, acknowledging the continuous evolution of the piano.