Meaning of Baby Grand Piano in Music
A baby grand piano is a type of piano that falls under the category of grand pianos. It is smaller in size compared to a standard grand piano, but larger than an upright piano. The term "baby grand" was coined by Hugo Sohmer in 1885 when he built the first 5-foot piano. The word "grand" in the context of pianos refers to the size and design of the instrument, rather than its musical style or genre.
Distinction from Grand Pianos
The main distinction between a baby grand piano and a grand piano lies in their size. Baby grand pianos typically range from 4'6" to 5'7" in length, while grand pianos can be much larger, ranging from 5'8" to over 9' in length The smaller size of a baby grand piano allows for some savings in cost and materials compared to a full-sized grand piano. However, it's important to note that the term "baby grand" does not define a specific size and can vary depending on different manufacturers and contexts.
Sound Quality and Volume
Due to their smaller size, baby grand pianos have a smaller soundboard and shorter strings compared to grand pianos. This can impact the sound quality and volume produced by the instrument. While a baby grand piano may not deliver the same power as a full-sized grand piano, it usually produces more volume than an upright piano, providing a closer experience to that of a grand piano.
Usage in Music
Baby grand pianos are commonly used in various musical genres and settings. They have been used prominently in classical music, jazz, rock and roll, and other genres. Many renowned musicians and performers have used baby grand pianos in their performances and recordings, including artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Keith Emerson, Elton John, Ben Folds, Billy Joel, and more.
In conclusion, a baby grand piano is a smaller-sized grand piano that falls between an upright piano and a full-sized grand piano in terms of size. It is commonly used in various musical genres and provides a closer experience to that of a grand piano in terms of sound quality and volume.
See grand piano.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [English] grand piano
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