A piano is a large musical instrument with keys that you press to make hammers hit strings and produce sound.
Short for Italian 'pianoforte', from 'piano' meaning 'soft' and 'forte' meaning 'loud'. The name described its ability to play both soft and loud notes, unlike earlier keyboard instruments.
The full original name 'pianoforte' literally means 'soft-loud', which is exactly its superpower. Inside a piano is a hidden percussion orchestra: every key controls a tiny felt hammer striking strings with amazing precision.
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