Pianoforte

As Printed on a Score

The formal name on piano staves (Pianoforte; Pf. or Pfte. later), the usual label in 19th-century editions of songs and chamber music, where modern scores more often write Piano (Pno.). The part sits on a grand staff — treble over bass — with a third staff added when the texture needs it, and pedal marks (Ped. … *) printed below.

Abbreviations: Pf., Pfte., Pno.

How Composers Use It

Written at pitch across more than seven octaves, the piano sustains only through the pedal, so every note decays — write long melodic lines with that in mind. In songs and chamber music it is a full partner; in the orchestra it adds percussive edge to a doubling or bell-like brilliance in the top register. The full name recalls the instrument’s novelty: unlike the harpsichord, it could play soft (piano) and loud (forte) by touch.

Example

Schubert, “Heidenröslein”, D. 257 (Op. 3 No. 3), staff label: “Pianoforte” beneath the “Singstimme” — the usual pairing of names in early 19th-century German song editions.

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