Pianoforte vs Piano: Is There Actually a Difference?

Last Updated on June 21, 2026 by Daniel Johnstone

The short answer: they’re the same instrument. “Piano” is simply the shortened form of “pianoforte,” the original Italian name. If you’re picturing two different instruments, there’s actually nothing to compare — but the question is still worth answering properly, because there’s a real piece of history behind why the name changed.

Where the Name “Pianoforte” Comes From

The instrument was originally called the “gravicembalo col piano e forte” — roughly, “harpsichord with soft and loud” — because unlike a harpsichord, it could vary its volume based on how hard you struck the keys. That got shortened to “pianoforte” (soft-loud), and eventually just to “piano.” Same instrument throughout; only the name got trimmed down over time.

Where There IS a Real Difference: Fortepiano vs. Modern Piano

If you want a genuine technical distinction, the more accurate comparison is “fortepiano” versus the modern piano. A fortepiano is the early version of the instrument used from roughly the mid-1700s through the early 1800s — lighter action, a thinner and more delicate tone, and far less sustain than what you’d hear from a modern piano. Composers like Mozart and early Beethoven wrote specifically for the fortepiano, and it genuinely sounds different from a modern piano played on a recording of the same piece.

So while “pianoforte” and “piano” are just two names for one instrument, “fortepiano” and “piano” point to a real, audible difference between an earlier and later version of that same lineage.

If you’re looking to start learning on a modern instrument, I’ve covered real, well-reviewed options in my guide to beginner pianos and keyboards.

Frequently Asked Questions