fortepiano

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noun

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

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adverb 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

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or Italian; French, from Italian, from forte loud + piano soft

First Known Use

Noun

1771, in the meaning defined above

Adverb Or Adjective

1823, in the meaning defined above