fortepiano
noun
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
Examples of fortepiano in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An electric keyboard programmed to sound like a fortepiano is also embedded in a handcrafted instrument, which actors with musical training can play.
—
Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Melvyn Tan, who came to prominence as a fortepiano specialist, has moved in the other direction, recording Debussy and even Beethoven on a regular grand piano.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
Almost too passionately anguished, Austen is a sonnet played on the fortepiano, while Winslet is Liszt banged out on a Steinway.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
While there, Zhang also received a master's degree in fortepiano performance — the modern instrument's softer, smaller precursor that was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
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Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Melvyn Tan, who came to prominence as a fortepiano specialist, has moved in the other direction, recording Debussy and even Beethoven on a regular grand piano.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
Almost too passionately anguished, Austen is a sonnet played on the fortepiano, while Winslet is Liszt banged out on a Steinway.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
While there, Zhang also received a master's degree in fortepiano performance — the modern instrument's softer, smaller precursor that was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fortepiano
Cite this Entry
“Fortepiano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortepiano. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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