Piano

As Printed on a Score

Labels a two-stave keyboard system joined by a brace — Piano on the first system, Pno. or Pf. later, Pianoforte in older editions. The same word printed in the music, usually in italics below the staff, is the dynamic (soft), so position decides: at the left of a staff it names the instrument, beside the notes it is a dynamic.

Abbreviations: Pno., Pf.

Also spelled: Grand Piano

How Composers Use It

Written on two staves, treble and bass, at sounding pitch, with pedalling shown by Ped. and release signs or brackets. In the orchestra it is as much a percussion colour as a harmony instrument, placed with celesta and harp between percussion and strings; in songs and chamber music it is a full partner. Its sound decays at once, so give it rhythm and line rather than long sustained pads.

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