Why do composers use piano?

They use pianos because then they can hear how all the voices will sound together. They have to imagine the different timbres of the instruments, but this is much more convenient than hiring a bunch of musicians for a great many hours to try and work things out!

Why do composers use different keys?

Music for solo voice and piano is often made available in different keys to suit the voice range of different singers. You would notice if the same singer sang a song in different keys because it would lie differently within the voice range.

What is an instrument that a composer might play?

Big orchestral pieces involve several different instruments. Piano, violin, cello, bass, woodwinds, brasses, and most composers were piano players.

How is piano used in music?

The Piano Looks Like a Harpsichord When a key is pressed, a plectrum attached to a long strip of wood called a jack plucks the string to make music. This system of strings and soundboard, and the overall structure of the instrument resemble those that can be found in a piano.

Do music composers play instruments?

No, generally speaking. Few people can play all of the standard orchestral instruments – people who go into music education do study all of them, but not so much composers. Most composers have been pianists, and it’s very helpful to have training on a string instrument as well.

How is piano different from other instruments?

Pianos cover all 88 notes of the musical scale, unlike other instruments, offering an incredible, unparalleled range. Pianos go higher and lower in frequency than any other instrument. All other instruments are a subset of the piano keyboard. Most instruments only allow playing of one note at a time.

How do composers know what instruments to play?

There are textbooks that indicate what notes specific instruments can play, their range, and their typical use in an orchestra. Many composers were trained professional musicians who played in bands or orchestras or conducted them. Composers were often pianists, and that gave them a basic sounding board for their ideas.

What instruments were made in the Baroque era?

This was a golden age of instrument making and composition, for the church organ in Germany, for the harpsichord (clavecin) in France, and for string instruments in Italy. Types of Instrumental Music (CHWM 217) There were several broad types of instrumental music in the Baroque era, including variations, abstract music, and dance music.

Why did composers write music during the Renaissance?

During this period, the appreciation of music was no longer limited to the rich and powerful. Those belonging to the middle class became patrons of music as well. Composers wrote music to meet the needs of a more diverse audience. As a result, music forms during this period were simpler and less intense.

Why do composers write in their heads?

Composers were often pianists, and that gave them a basic sounding board for their ideas. Likewise, many composers wrote in their heads with all this knowledge, producing first a short score with the main line written out and entries for strings, winds, brass, etc.