Piano Guidance
Piano Guidance
Photo: Wendy Wei
The pianoforte The pianoforte not only was a way to gauge a young ladies success but it allowed opportunities for private conversations with the opposite sex to arise. The pianoforte was an instrument that frequently provided a chance for social interactions to take place.
Emotional Miss You Teacher Quotes Even though we're miles apart, I still feel you in my heart. ... Miss you so much! ... Miss you so much. ... It...
Read More »
There is no difference in product quality between Kawai instruments labeled “K. KAWAI” or “KAWAI.” The difference is the “type” of instrument on...
Read More »Home > Material Culture in Pride and Prejudice > The Significance of the Pianoforte in Pride and Prejudice In the early 1700’s, the pianoforte was developed by Bartolomo Cristofori in order to create a more expressive instrument than what was already available. It’s predecessors were the harpsichord and the clavichord, which despite being of similar construction, had a less intricate sound. Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice , displays the importance of the pianoforte in late eighteenth century society. Women at this time had little means to express themselves, thus the pianoforte became a medium in which they were able to do so. Owning a pianoforte was a symbol of affluence and a young lady’s ability to play it suggested her ‘good breeding’ and made her a more desirable wife.The presence of the pianoforte in Pride and Prejudice is important to the central aspects at the heart of the text. Women were treated as property, seen as something to enhance the status of the men who possessed them, like any other object would improve one’s image. The women had to compete with one another for marriage proposals; young ladies who were more ‘successful’ increased their likelihood of being chosen as a wife. As a result the young women use the pianoforte as a tool to boast of their accomplishments, thus suggesting their superiority over other women. In Austen’s novel, the pianoforte is often coupled with well mannered and respected young women as well as wealth. At the time, the pianoforte was a luxury item costing up to a years salary for even some of the wealthiest of men. In many ways the pianoforte displayed a family’s wealth and high status. A women’s ability to play the instrument exhibits not only her talent but it proves the she leads a comfortable, leisurely lifestyle. The time taken to develop her skills was made possible because of her families many servants. A key factor in determining the measure of a women’s accomplishments were very much based upon her talent or interest regarding the fine arts. This emphasis on a women’s exposure to the pianoforte is exemplified in Pride and Prejudice. Darcy’s younger sister, Georgiana, is the perfect example of an accomplished young lady in her time. I never met with anybody who delighted me so much. Such a countenance, such manners, and so extremely accomplished for her age! Her performance on the piano-forte is exquisite. It is amazing to me, said Bingley, how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they all are. (Austen, 43) This quotation displays a man’s perspective regarding the belief that a women’s ability to play the pianoforte directly correlates with her ‘worth’ as a young lady. The skills acquired by a women to play the pianoforte resulted in an increased respect and overall value in the eyes of society and more importantly their possible suitors. The pianoforte not only was a way to gauge a young ladies success but it allowed opportunities for private conversations with the opposite sex to arise. The pianoforte was an instrument that frequently provided a chance for social interactions to take place. Not only was it was played at family gatherings, but also at many formal parties. In the late 18th century it was considered scandalous for a young man and woman to be alone together. For they were constantly being judged through the eyes of society. Adding to this, the pianoforte also created precious opportunities for suitors to pursue the object of their affection. The pair were able to have semi-private conversations without attracting any unwanted attention. The music played by the young lady would conceal the contents of the conversation to any onlookers. Duets also provided a relatively private setting for young couples to enjoy each others company. In Pride and Prejudice, a similar scene is played out at Lady Catherine’s estate between Darcy and Elizabeth. “Moving with his usual deliberation towards the piano forte, [Darcy] stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and...turned to him with an arch smile”(Austen, 197). As Elizabeth and Darcy demonstrate, the pianoforte proves to be a key factor in facilitating the progression of relationships. The development of the pianoforte marked a change in the way that a keyboard instrument could portray emotion. Even the name represents this; piano means soft and forte means loud, therefore, the name “pianoforte” implies that the instrument is able to portray both. One of the only ways that a young lady could express themselves, especially one of good breeding, was through the different melodies she played. It also allowed them to ‘let off steam’ and convey their true emotions; emotions that were otherwise concealed. Many other young women who were often told to “only speak when spoken to,” used the pianoforte for the same purpose. An average after-dinner scenario in the Bennet household often consists of conversation between the family members. Mary, however, goes “upstairs to her instrument” (385). Being socially awkward, she escapes the pressures of interaction and instead reverts into the comfort of her beloved pianoforte.The pianoforte became an outlet for many girls who sought the illusion of individuality in a conformist society. A Song Played on the Pianoforte
If storage is important to you, then a digital piano is definitely the way to go. You could also go with a small upright piano too although the...
Read More »
Best Loud Mechanical Keyboards of 2021 Drop ALT. What is this? Report Ad. ... Ducky One 2 Mini. The Ducky One 2 Mini is a keyboard that needs no...
Read More »
Pianoforall is one of the most popular online piano courses online and has helped over 450,000 students around the world achieve their dream of playing beautiful piano for over a decade.
Learn More »
The full Top 30: Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World. The Beatles - Let It Be. Elton John - Your Song. Adele - Someone Like You. Adele -...
Read More »
Jumping sports demand athleticism and accuracy from both horse and rider, with difficulty rising with the fence height and course complexity. There...
Read More »
Promotion
Promotion