Originating from medieval Europe and spreading worldwide over more than three centuries, the piano remains popular to this day.

Comprised of keys (including white and black keys) and metal strings on a soundboard, a typical piano has a range from 27.5Hz to 4186.01Hz for an 88-key piano, and up to 7902.13Hz for a 108-key piano, encompassing almost the entire range of musical notes.

It is one of the most versatile instruments, commonly used for solo, ensemble, and accompaniment performances. With a history of over 200 years, the piano initially started as a keyboard instrument capable of varying dynamics.

Although the piano was born in Italy, it flourished in Germany and Austria. In 1709, it was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori, an instrument maker from the Medici family in Florence, Italy, and named "Gravicembeloco pianoforte".

For the first hundred years after Cristofori's invention, plucked string instruments were still in use, mainly for specific compositions. However, the substitution of plucked strings with hammers became a defining feature of keyboard instruments at that time and a symbol of the piano.

The earliest pianos had many strings stretching from the keyboard, such as the harpsichord and modern grand pianos, or (in the case of square pianos) strings struck at right angles to the keys.

The invention of the piano initially did not receive much attention, as there was limited understanding of its complex mechanical structure. Johann Sebastian Bach owned a piano but chose not to use it, preferring the harpsichord. Similarly, in the mid-18th century, Queen Maria Barbara of Spain owned three pianos but opted for the harpsichord instead, disliking the piano's tone.

The first century of the piano's existence saw many improvements. Although initially described as a crude mechanical device akin to a boilermaker's creation, lacking elegance and expressive nuance compared to plucked and struck string instruments, as music evolved from Baroque to Classical styles, the sharp, rigid, and lifeless sound of plucked string instruments was replaced by the rich, expansive range and expressive tone of the piano.

By the late 18th century, the piano had firmly established itself as the "king of instruments". As a result, German pianos hold significant prominence globally and rank highly among piano brands worldwide.

Today, the piano is not just an instrument but also a part of many people's memories and even their lives. It has immortalized numerous musicians throughout history, yet most people know the background of those musicians without understanding the history of the piano, which is a misplaced emphasis.

Every instrument has its anecdotes and origins, and they should be explored in depth. Only then can we understand more about the small details that many people overlook.