... in between, depending upon the force with which the keys were struck with the fingers. His instrument was at first considered a novel type of harpsichord (not surprisingly, because of its harpsichord-like appearance) which was capable of gradations of volume. These gradations were effected by a hammer (rather than plectrum-type) action, in which hammers, activated by the touch of the keys, struck the strings. The mechanism was not immediately accepted by other keyboard instrument makers - but all of the basic, essential mechanical elements in our modern pianos are found, in embryonic form, in these Cristofori instruments. THE SOUNDS OF THE PIANO Because of the technology, materials and mechanics of their construction, the pianos of Beethoven's era had a different sound - that is, a different instrumental timbre and variant resonance - from those of today. The differences are subtle but appreciable. The instruments had hammers covered with layers of leather, ...

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