Comprehensive Glossary of German Piano Terminology348

German piano terminology is vast and nuanced, reflecting the rich history and meticulous craftsmanship associated with this beloved instrument. This comprehensive glossary provides an extensive list of terms related to piano construction, mechanics, playing techniques, and musical expression.

Piano Anatomy* Aktion (action): The mechanism that translates keystrokes into sound.
* Anschlag (touch): The pressure and duration with which a key is pressed.
* Becher (soundboard): The thin, resonant wooden membrane that vibrates to amplify the sound.
* Hammer (hammer): The felt-covered striker that hits the strings.
* Resonanzboden (soundboard): The wooden body of the piano that resonates sympathetically.
* Steg (bridge): The wooden structure that supports the strings.
* Saiten (strings): The metal wires that produce the sound.

Piano Mechanics* Abstrakt (let-off): The point at which the hammer is released from the key.
* Dämpfung (damper): The felt-covered pad that stops the strings from vibrating.
* Escapement (escapement): The mechanism that releases the hammer after it strikes.
* Repetitionsmechanismus (repetition mechanism): The system that allows for rapid key repetition.
* Tonhaltepedal (sustain pedal): The pedal that keeps the dampers raised, sustaining the sound.
* Una-Chordapedal (soft pedal): The pedal that shifts the action slightly to one side, resulting in a softer sound.

Playing Techniques* Anschlag (touch): The way in which a key is played, affecting the tone and volume.
* Fingersatz (fingering): The assignment of fingers to specific keys.
* Hammerfolge (hammering): A technique where the hammer strikes with a quick succession of blows.
* Legato (legato): A smooth, connected style of playing.
* Staccato (staccato): A short, detached style of playing.
* Triller (trill): A rapid alternation between two adjacent notes.

Musical Expression* Ausdruck (expression): The emotional interpretation of a piece.
* Dynamik (dynamics): The variation of volume in a performance.
* Klangfarbe (timbre): The unique quality of a sound.
* Tempo (tempo): The speed at which a piece is played.
* Tonhöhe (pitch): The frequency of a sound.

Additional Piano-Related Terms* Flügel (grand piano): A concert-sized piano with a horizontal soundboard.
* Pianino (upright piano): A piano with a vertical soundboard.
* Klavierstimmer (piano tuner): A specialist who adjusts the pitch of the strings.
* Pianohaus (piano store): A retail establishment that sells and repairs pianos.
* Pianoforte (pianoforte): The full name for a piano, meaning "soft-loud."

2025-01-15

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