The Pianoforte:

In around 1765, the harpsichord was the main, indispensable keyboard instrument in
most concertos, and was therefore learnt widely. It was so popular because it was
ideally suited to playing the counterpoint and terraced dynamics that were
characteristic of the baroque period. However, in 30 years, from 1765 to 1795, the
harpsichord became less and less common, until it was all but obsolete. Taking its
place was the pianoforte, a hammer-action keyboard instrument that was invented by
Cristofori (although his pianos were still quite primitive in design, with thin steel
strings of low tensile strength, small tubular brass hammers and a build that was only
slightly more robust than a harpsichord). This change from harpsichord to pianoforte
was, of course, driven by new styles in musical compositions and performances, which
were developing into the style we now know as classical music. This new keyboard
music required, above all, expression. The pianoforte was able to perform
diminuendos and crescendos, or sudden accents then an arresting quietness. The
pianoforte was also found to be ideal for song accompaniments, as it had a sweet
tone to support a voice, and a dynamic flexibility that allowed it to follow whichever
instrument it was accompanying.

Basic workings of a single string in a harpsichord:

Ba
of

sic workings
a single string
in a
pianoforte:

When the key is pressed, the jack is pushed up, which then pushes the hammer up so it hits the string.
At the same time as the jack s moving up, the damper is lifted off the string, allowing the string to
make a noise when the hammer hits it.

Mozart and his Piano Concertos:

Mozart (full name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) was born in 1756, and was one of the
most prolific and influential composers of the classical era. Mozart was a keen
composer, and wrote pieces in every major genre (symphony, opera, solo concerto,
chamber music, including string quartets and quintets, and piano sonatas). Although
these were not new forms, Mozart advanced their technical sophistication and
emotional reach.(Wikipedia) Mozart is most famous for his Classical style piano concertos
a style which he almost single-handedly developed and popularised. Mozart wrote
30 concertos for piano and orchestra, with the pianist as the solo player. His most
famous piano concerto was probably Concert No. 21.

Timeline of Mozarts Life:

1756: Wolfgang Mozart is born in Salzburg, Austria, in a highly musical family.
1763: Wolfgang and his sister, Nannerl, tour Europe as child prodigies,

1764: Wolfgang composes his first symphony at the age of eight

1768: Premiere of Mozarts first opera at the age of twelve in Vienna, Bastien
und Bastienne
1770: Mozart receives the Order of the Golden Spur from Pope Clement. He
begins ten years of unhappy employment in the household of the Archbishop of
Salzburg.
1771: Mitridate, R di Ponto is a great success in Milan (Mozart is only fifteen).
1775: La Finta Giardiniera popular success in Munich.
1781: Idomeneo premieres in Munich.
1782: Mozart marries Constanze Weber following success of The Abduction
From The Seraglio, Vienna.
1783: Mozart composes the Mass in C minor.
1786: The Marriage of Figaro premieres in Vienna and is a tremendous success
in Prague the following year.
1787: Leopold Mozart dies, Don Giovanni triumphs in Prague.
1790: Cos Fan Tutte premieres in Vienna without success.
1791: The Magic Flute opens, Vienna. Mozart dies three months later at the age
of thirty-five.