for·te·pia·no
ˌfȯr-ˌtā-pē-ˈa-(ˌ)nō 
also
-ˈä-(ˌ)nō
: an early form of the piano originating in the 18th and early 19th centuries and having a smaller range and softer timbre than a modern piano
forte-piano
2 of 2adverb or adjective
for·te-pi·a·no
ˌfȯr-ˌtā-pē-ˈä-(ˌ)nō
ˌfȯr-tē-
: loud then immediately soft
—used as a direction in music
Examples of fortepiano in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 June 2024
Mozart and Haydn both owned a Walter fortepiano, and Beethoven wished for one.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Berry brought a six-octave instrument modeled on the Viennese fortepianos that Anton Walter made.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Maltz specializes in Viennese fortepiano (also known as pianoforte), combining his musicianship with historical techniques.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fortepiano
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Noun
But away from the fortepiano, Beethoven’s life was plagued by deafness, debilitating gastrointestinal troubles, and jaundice.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 June 2024
Mozart and Haydn both owned a Walter fortepiano, and Beethoven wished for one.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Berry brought a six-octave instrument modeled on the Viennese fortepianos that Anton Walter made.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2023
Maltz specializes in Viennese fortepiano (also known as pianoforte), combining his musicianship with historical techniques.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fortepiano
Cite this Entry
“Fortepiano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortepiano. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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