something to ponder

[Steinway]

If the modern Steinway was invented in 1650 and all of the Baroque composers were aware of it, would they have continued to compose for the harpsichord?

My guess is an emphatic no, but perhaps others would disagree.

[Arnstein]

Maybe, maybe not. I think most composers would have been fascinated by the articulation-opportunities, opposed to the harpsichord, so I'm sure they would compose something for piano-forte, but I think they would continue to compose for the harpsichord too, as it makes a different sound than the piano-forte.

[BWV 1080]

The technology to manufacture a modern grand piano did not exist until the 19th century.

[karlhenning]

I think they would likely have continued composing for the harpsichord, but that the character of pieces written various for the Steinway and the harpsichord would become sharply differentiated.

Cheers,
~Karl

[Brendan]

In that case, atonalism would have disappeared (along with rock'n'roll) by 1837. What would Beethoven have composed if he had an electric guitar or synthesizer? Sorry, but I just cannot take the notion too seriously. I'll shuffle off now.