Pure Poppycock!,
Yes over the years there were many claims but none of them hold up under scutiny. Schoeter would be an example, but that is actually a case of just inventing a part.
Based on the fact that he was already inventing instruments in 1690, i suspect Cristofori's R and D period for the piano was between then, and he had it all figured out by 1700.
Silbermann made a piano in 1732.
All the essential elements come together as well with Cristofori, opportunity, funding, trade skills, etc.
I frankly don't get the splitting of hairs of "modern piano" and just a "piano". Give the guy his due credit. And may he rest in Peace already.
-chris
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Chernobieff Piano Restorations
"Where Tone is Key"
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.comLenoir City, TN
865-986-7720
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-15-2020 18:58
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Christofori's invention
I don't want to seem like I am putting words in LaRoy's mouth, but the modern oiano is considered to have arrived after the invention of the double escapement action by Sebastian Erard, and the invention of the one piece cast iron string frame or plate by Alpheus Babcock, first brought to market by Jonas Chickering. Of course, Cristifori did not come up with either of those things.
Perhaps that is the distinction that LaRoy was making by parsing his words the way he did.
Original Message------
From the PTG Vertical Regulation Workbook by LaRoy Edwards (page 3):
What is a piano?
Christofori invented the escapement principle, not "the piano." The escapement principal is the heart of the piano and the heart of the regulation process.
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I can not find a single article or person to support not giving Christofori credit for the invention of the piano. I tried my best to come up with arguments to support the statement above, but they just fall apart. I think there is plenty of evidence Christofori's new instrument at the time to fits the standard definitions of invention and piano.
I am curious if anybody has any evidence or solid arguments to support the statement that Christofori is not the inventor of the piano.
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Tim Michaels
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