University of Central Florida (UCF) MUL2010 Enjoyment of Music Practice Exam 3

The statement regarding the increase in the number of keys from 61 to 108 is not true within the historical context of the piano's evolution. Initially, early pianos, such as those created by Bartolomeo Cristofori in the early 18th century, typically had around 54 to 66 keys. Over time, the standard increased to about 88 keys, which is the current norm for concert pianos today. While there have been pianos designed with more than 88 keys for specific purposes, such as extended-range instruments, the standardization around 88 keys became established as the norm in the concert piano world.

The other statements reflect accurate aspects of the piano's development. As the piano evolved, improvements in design led to enhanced portability; earlier pianos were quite large and heavy, while innovations in construction allowed for more lightweight models. The materials used in piano construction also saw significant changes, notably with advances in metallurgy and the introduction of more durable materials for strings and framing. Lastly, the design and capabilities of the piano significantly influenced composers, altering the way music was written and performed by providing a wider range of expressive possibilities. Therefore, focusing on the facts about standard key counts helps clarify why the first statement is the one