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History of the Piano

Acoustic pianos have been around for about 500 years, giving the piano a long history of providing music. Despite numerous attempts to create an instrument that involved strings and a hammer, Bartolomeo Cristofori was the one who is credited with actually inventing the first acoustic piano.
The First Pianos
Cristofori built several pianos, but no one is precisely sure of when the first was created. We do know that the Medici family had one of the pianos in 1700, and evidence suggests that it was built in 1698. These early pianos were quite different from those of the modern music world, but they were a truly great invention for their time.
The difficulty with pianos was that the hammer needed to hit the wire, then return to its original place without bouncing and yet be ready to go again within moments. This was finally achieved and Cristofori managed to find a way to create this effect.
The Growing Popularity of the Piano
Despite his hard work, Cristofori was not able to make his new instrument famous. Then, in 1711, a diagram of his design was distributed and more people began to build pianos. One of them was a man named … Read more

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“THE MYTHOS OF MUSIC”

                  An interesting point presented right at the beginning of the chapter is the response one can have, which can also be unconscious. Although, Rowell is interested in the deep stratum of musical ideas in Western cultural consciousness. Music, besides the classic concept associated with muses, a metaphorical way to wonder images. As Campbell explains in his work The Power of Myth, “… metaphor is an image that suggests another”(59).  We also have to consider the importance of archetypal criticism. In this attempt, Northrop Frye is suggested as an important reference in the study of archetypes, but he admits it is hard to get a clear picture of the myth of music as a whole. Although, this concept of myth is personal, it may contribute to such a difficult mission to define it. [Cunha 2002] “Myth is the way one can face truth, imposed or acquired, as far as there’s a belief, no matter the variety of interpretations and associations.” In accordance with Rowell, the authors have an agreement that “the single common denominator appears to be our need to explain that which cannot be immediately understood on the basis of everyday experience”(59).Cunha 02             The same author also explains, they’re … Read more

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Buying your First Cello is not as Difficult as you Think

The cello is considered as one of the most complex instruments created. It is made up of various materials, such as wood and also steel, rubber and metal. It has a unique shape, with a wide breadth on the top and bottom and a narrow middle.This instrument produces a rich alto sound that is beautifully suited for special occasions. However, it is quite difficult to play a cello particularly for beginners. Do not expect to produce a very pleasant sound when first starting out. You need years of expert training and plenty of practice in order to bring out the cello’s rich and melodic sounds.For those of you who are hesitant about learning to play the cello, or are about to make your first cello purchase, here are a few things to watch out for:1. Ask the right questions. Is this the right instrument for me? Can I learn it easily? Am I committed to practicing? This is especially true for beginners.Gauge yourself whether you are a slow or fast learner when it comes to playing the cello. Make sure that you are committed to learn and to practice so that the money spent on your first cello is not … Read more

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Historical Elements Of The Flute

The flute is the oldest musical instrument to be firmly dated. The flute’s earliest probable history dates back to approximately 900 B.C. They are the earliest known musical instruments and is one among the three celebrated musical instruments of India (the other two are veena and mridanga).Flutes are of different kinds and their lengths and number of holes vary. Flutes in the baroque and early classical periods had few keys. It is a musical instrument of the woodwind group and has also always been an essential part of Indian culture and mythology.The cross flute, believed by several accounts, to originate in India as Indian literature from 1500 BCE has made vague references to the cross flute. It made it’s first appearance in Europe after having been a favorite instrument in India and China. Todays flute, thanks to Boehm, born in 1794, the son of a goldsmith, is responsible for the flute of today.The flute is made in the form of an open cylindrical air column about 66 cm long and has a series of 16 openings in the tube wall, 11 of which can be closed directly by seven fingers and one by the left thumb.The flute can usually be … Read more

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