It is a shortened form of the Italian phrase "pianoforte," which means "soft-loud." This refers to the instrument's ability to produce a wide range of volume, from soft to loud, thanks to the use of keys and hammers.
It is a shortened form of the Italian phrase "pianoforte," which means "soft-loud." This refers to the instrument's ability to produce a wide range of volume, from soft to loud, thanks to the use of keys and hammers.