HistoryExtra podcast The piano: a musical history
Jul 20, 2021
In this episode, Susan Tomes, a renowned British pianist and author, takes us on a journey through the enchanting history of the piano. She unveils how the piano replaced the harpsichord, emphasizing its versatility and impact on household culture. Discover how composers like Bach and Chopin expanded the instrument's capabilities and the challenges faced by women in music. Susan also discusses the rich influence of jazz and ragtime, showcasing iconic performances that highlight the piano's evolution. A captivating exploration awaits!
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Broadwood's Piano Gift To Beethoven
- John Broadwood sent a piano to Beethoven in Vienna, which excited Beethoven and influenced his writing.
- Broadwood's gift shows how instrument makers shaped composers' creative possibilities.
Historical Sound Versus Modern Realisation
- Playing historical pianos reveals their delicate sound and the limits of reconstructing past listening experiences.
- Susan Tomes argues modern pianos often better realise composers' imagined tonal range despite historical-performance debates.
Chopin And Liszt Broadened Piano Expression
- Chopin and Liszt expanded piano technique to the extremes of whispering delicacy and thunderous virtuosity.
- Their performances and compositions helped define the Romantic piano's expressive range.
