Pianoforte
[pɪ,ænəʊ'fɔːteɪ;pɪ,ænəʊ'fɔːtɪ]
Definition
(a.) A well-known musical instrument somewhat resembling the harpsichord, and consisting of a series of wires of graduated length, thickness, and tension, struck by hammers moved by keys.
Typist: Manfred
Definition
generally shortened to Piano (pi-an′ō) n. a musical instrument furnished with wires struck by little hammers which are moved by keys so as to produce both soft and strong sounds.—ns. Pianette′ a small piano; Pianino (pē-a-nē′nō) an upright pianoforte; Pian′ism the technique of the pianoforte: arrangement of music for the pianoforte.—adv. Pianis′simo very softly.—n. Pian′ist one who plays on the pianoforte or one well skilled in it.—adv. Pié‹′o (mus.) softly.—ns. Pian′o-school a school where piano music is taught; Pian′o-stool a stool on which the player sits at the piano.—Boudoir or Cabinet piano an upright piano.
Typed by Laverne
Examples
- Yes, Miss, I will, thank you; and the pianoforte. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- That is a grand pianoforte, and he might think it too large for Mrs. Bates's house. Jane Austen. Emma.
- This present from the Campbells, said shethis pianoforte is very kindly given. Jane Austen. Emma.
- Livius was immediately seated at the pianoforte. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Marianne's pianoforte was unpacked and properly disposed of; and Elinor's drawings were affixed to the walls of their sitting room. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
- He took some music from a chair near the pianoforte, and turning to Emma, said, Here is something quite new to me. Jane Austen. Emma.
- Sophia was hammering at a little country dance on the pianoforte. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- On this I sat down to my pianoforte, that I might not interrupt him. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Her performance on the pianoforte is exquisite. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- I was surprised to find Leinster sitting at my pianoforte, in my drawing-room, when I got upstairs. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Miss Woodhouse and Miss Smith; so kind as to call to hear the new pianoforte. Jane Austen. Emma.
- She spent whole hours at the pianoforte alternately singing and crying; her voice often totally suspended by her tears. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
- And then there is her pianoforte. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Her sister had not the smallest objection, and the pianoforte was opened; and Darcy, after a few moments' recollection, was not sorry for it. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- I played well on the pianoforte; that is, with taste and execution; though almost without study. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- I have very good rooms there and three pianofortes, on either of which I shall be delighted to hear you play. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
Editor: Val