The Fortepiano: Makers, Technical Innovations, and Repertoire (c.1760–1810)

1. Cristofori develops early hammer-action pianoforte

   Jan 1, 1700Labels: Bartolomeo Cristofori, Florence

   • Britannica
   • Met Museum

2. Maffei publishes description of Cristofori’s action

   Jan 1, 1711Labels: Scipione Maffei, Cristofori action

   • Wikipedia

3. Cristofori’s 1720 grand piano exemplifies early design

   Jan 1, 1720Labels: Cristofori 1720, Met collection

   • Met Museum
   • Britannica

4. Backers’s 1772 English grand sets a major pattern

   Jan 1, 1772Labels: Americus Backers, English grand

   • SquarePianos
   • Broadwood

5. Broadwood’s London workshop begins building square pianos

   Jan 1, 1773Labels: John Broadwood, London workshop

   • Britannica
   • Broadwood

6. Stein’s Augsburg fortepianos impress Mozart

   Oct 1, 1777Labels: Johann Andreas, Mozart

   • UNT Library

7. Clementi publishes Op. 2 keyboard sonatas for piano

   Jan 1, 1779Labels: Muzio Clementi, Op 2

   • IMSLP
   • Wikipedia

8. Broadwood’s early grand pianos add damper and soft pedals

   Jan 1, 1781Labels: Broadwood grand, pedals

   • Britannica
   • Broadwood

9. Mozart purchases an Anton Walter fortepiano

   Jan 1, 1782Labels: Anton Walter, Wolfgang Mozart

   • Britannica
   • Min On

10. Broadwood patents divided bridge for stronger grand tone

    Jan 1, 1788Labels: Broadwood patent, divided bridge

    • Britannica

11. Broadwood firm leaves harpsichord making behind

    Jan 1, 1793Labels: Broadwood firm, harpsichord exit

    • Broadwood
    • Britannica

12. Fortepiano becomes the default Classical keyboard by 1810

    Jan 1, 1810Labels: Fortepiano era, Classical keyboard

    • Wikipedia