for·te·pia·no
ˌfȯr-ˌtā-pē-ˈa-(ˌ)nō 
also
-ˈä-(ˌ)nō
: an early form of the piano originating in the 18th and early 19th centuries and having a smaller range and softer timbre than a modern piano
forte-piano
2 of 2adverb or adjective
for·te-pi·a·no
ˌfȯr-ˌtā-pē-ˈä-(ˌ)nō
ˌfȯr-tē-
: loud then immediately soft
—used as a direction in music
Examples of fortepiano in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 June 2024
Mozart and Haydn both owned a Walter fortepiano, and Beethoven wished for one.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Berry brought a six-octave instrument modeled on the Viennese fortepianos that Anton Walter made.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Maltz specializes in Viennese fortepiano (also known as pianoforte), combining his musicianship with historical techniques.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for fortepiano 
Noun
But away from the fortepiano, Beethoven’s life was plagued by deafness, debilitating gastrointestinal troubles, and jaundice.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 June 2024
Mozart and Haydn both owned a Walter fortepiano, and Beethoven wished for one.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Berry brought a six-octave instrument modeled on the Viennese fortepianos that Anton Walter made.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Maltz specializes in Viennese fortepiano (also known as pianoforte), combining his musicianship with historical techniques.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for fortepiano
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fortepiano.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Fortepiano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortepiano. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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