2 Surprising Pianos That Are Truly Unique
Pianos that are truly unique are few in number, but these two really stand out. The Janko and the Giraffe – both are very unconventional and fascinating!
The Jankó Piano
The Jankó Piano is named after its creator, Paul von Jankó, Hungarian mathematician, engineer, and musician. He invented this extraordinary instrument with its unconventional keyboard layout in 1882.
Unlike the traditional piano keyboard, the Jankó Piano features a patented key arrangement designed to enhance playing versatility and minimize the need for hand stretches and movement. Its six key levels with interlocking manuals made it possible to play scales in all keys using the same fingering; however, it makes my eyes hurt just looking at it.
Each note on the piano could therefore be played at three different, vertically aligned points on the keyboard, making it easier to reach larger intervals. This arrangement allows for easier execution of complex chords and harmonies, making it a sought-after choice for virtuosos seeking exceptional musical expression.
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/tQGl-ZRajmnRsA
The Giraffe Piano
The Giraffe Piano, as its name suggests, stands out for its distinctive elongated shape. This peculiar design originated in Austria around 1805 but multiple inventors take the credit: Martin Suffer, Joseph Wachtl, and Jakob Bleyer.
The tall giraffe-like shape resulted from the desire to increase the resonance and tonal quality of the instrument. By elongating the soundboard and strings, the Giraffe Piano generates a more vibrant and resonant sound compared to traditional pianos. Its elongated design also adds an artistic flair to any performance space, making it a visual delight for both musicians and audiences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffe_piano#/media/File:Upright_(Giraffe)_Piano_MET_225363.jpg
Why Are These Pianos Important?
Both the Jankó Piano and the Giraffe Piano are significant examples of the ingenuity of inventors throughout history in the innovation of musical instruments. The Jankó Piano, introduced in the late 19th century, challenged standard piano design and attracted attention from virtuoso pianists of the time. Despite its initial popularity, the Jankó Piano never achieved widespread adoption due to its unusual design and the already deep-rooted familiarity of traditional keyboards.
The Giraffe Piano, by comparison, emerged in the late 18th century as an attempt to enhance the piano’s tonal qualities. It experienced a similar fate as the Jankó Piano, but, the Giraffe Piano certainly was the result of unconventional thinking that eventually led to today’s familiar upright pianos.
For pianists, the Jankó Piano presents an intriguing challenge. Its innovative key arrangement encourages the development of dexterity and finger independence. The Giraffe Piano, with its elongated soundboard and strings, provides a chance to explore the influence of instrument design on tonal quality and resonance.
Something To Think About
The Jankó Piano and the Giraffe Piano stand as fascinating examples of unconventional creativity. Through their unique designs, we can appreciate the evolution of musical instruments and the innovation of their creators. Consider especially that had not Bartolomeo Cristofori tinkered with the 1700 harpsichord, we would need another inventor of the hammer-action modern piano!
Piano students may react differently when discovering these piano that are truly unique. Some may find that their current home and teacher pianos are much more preferable to either of these complex instruments that would certainly take time to master. Perhaps they would have an increased appreciation for their own pianos!
Piano Revolution: What’s the Difference?
Want to teach yourself or your child piano? Want to hit keys on a piano or actually read and play piano music that’s written? Be careful; there are hundreds of method books to choose from and some look very entertaining. Some have gorgeous illustrations; some have audio visual reinforcements; some are meant to use with a computer.
But they all can be distilled into two piles:
- play piano by hitting keys – or –
- actually read written music in order to play piano
For the details check this out!
View the books on Amazon:
Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students.
Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.
She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”
