The grand piano is a beautiful, and well known instrument. Many people begin playing the piano at an early age, people like Mozart, and Beethoven. The grand piano is a very cherished instrument, it has been around sense the beginning of classical music! There are many types of pianos. Many different shapes, sizes, and colors.

"There are six basic types of grand pianos. The Petite Grand, which is the smallest and least expensive grand piano. The medium Grand, Parlor Grand, Semi Concert or Ballroom Grand, and the largest of the grand pianos, the Concert Grand."
 http://www.internetmeridian.com/piano/History/Grand_Piano.html

Grand pianos derive from a harpsichord. The harpsichord is an instrument that is smaller than the piano, that you play by plucking the strings, unlike a piano where you play by pushing on keys. The harpsichord was more likely played in ensembles because of the sounds it made, but the grand piano became a more of a solo instrument.

"In 1698 the piano was invented by an Italian man named Bartolomeo Cristofori. There are over 12,000 parts in a grand piano, and 10,000 of them are moving."
http://www.kenfoster.com/PianoTuning/Facts.html

The grand piano has been around for a very long time. It creates beautiful sounds using the combination of strings, keys, and peddles. This instrument is the epiphany of classical music. Pianos are very useful instruments, but not easy to carry around, or very affordable.

"A grand piano can weigh anywhere from five hundred to a thousand pounds, and can cost twice that amount."
http://www.pianoworld.com/faq.htm

The development of the grand piano has come a long way. From the very beginning until now, people have been trying to create a better and a more diverse variety of the piano.



Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualpianoshop/3170716910/