Piano Rock? (white stripes, Queen, quote, artist, bands)

Justus · 07-12-2005, 04:56 PM

If I recall this correctly, piano is Italian for soft sounding. Originaly, the piano was called piano forte which means soft and loud. It was called that because it could be played both loud and soft unlike it's predecessors such as the harpsichord which always sounded at the same dynamic. However, it was shortened to piano for whatever reason. This gives me the impression that somehow the piano became a "soft instrument."

When you think of rock, you don't think of a piano. Why? The most common reason I've heard is that it is too soft. I don't think that's true. I think the piano can rock just as much as an electric guitar.

Does anyone here play the piano and in what style do they play it? Also, can anyone list famous rock bands and songs which include the piano?

ArtistInTheAmbulance · 07-12-2005, 05:03 PM

Obviously, first that comes to mind is Queen. There are LOADS more I know, I think most bands use the piano from time to time, even if they have to temporarily get someone new in to play it.

Normally piano is used on softer and slower songs though... On the emotional and depressing songs. Just cause the piano's good at that. Better than the harder sound that comes with rock, I think.

TheBig3KilledMyRainDog · 07-12-2005, 05:11 PM

Forte got dropped for the economy of language, no one else uses piano for the word "soft" so the intrument was fine keepinging it as was.

I play piano but styles are for slackers and I purposly try t write each some completly diffrently than another.

Its used for slower sounds because it can provide a much fuller sound then the guitar with supporting chords and the potential for more notes at one time.

My two fav contemp piano acts right now are the Dresden Dolls and the Lingo. Also the new white stripes disc has some balls out rocking piano.

Justus · 07-12-2005, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3KilledMyRainDog

I play piano but styles are for slackers and I purposly try t write each some completly diffrently than another.

I'm curious how you write stuff for the piano. I kind of taught myself to play piano so I have no idea how other people play it. When I write for the piano, I figure out the chords of my song and then either play the chords or appregio them in some way. Forgive me if I sound stupid, this is all I know to do at this stage heh.

SATCHMO · 07-12-2005, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtistInTheAmbulance

Obviously, first that comes to mind is Queen. There are LOADS more I know, I think most bands use the piano from time to time, even if they have to temporarily get someone new in to play it.

Normally piano is used on softer and slower songs though... On the emotional and depressing songs. Just cause the piano's good at that. Better than the harder sound that comes with rock, I think.

Why is queen such an obvious choice. They would have been the last band I thought of, first being Ben Folds and Elton John.

ArtistInTheAmbulance · 07-12-2005, 05:34 PM

Really? First band that came to my mind. Hmm, mebbe its just me. Queen always had a sh*t loada publicity for mixing piano and rock.. It was all "revolutionary and unique" as they put it.

Justus · 07-12-2005, 05:36 PM

Oh yeah, forgot that "Old Time Rock and Roll" featured a piano. Haha.

Ben Folds is a great mention. He has some rocking songs that are piano based. He did a song called "Army" which makes great use of the piano for an upbeat song.

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07-12-2005, 04:56 PM
Justus Groupie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5	Piano Rock? If I recall this correctly, piano is Italian for soft sounding. Originaly, the piano was called piano forte which means soft and loud. It was called that because it could be played both loud and soft unlike it's predecessors such as the harpsichord which always sounded at the same dynamic. However, it was shortened to piano for whatever reason. This gives me the impression that somehow the piano became a "soft instrument." When you think of rock, you don't think of a piano. Why? The most common reason I've heard is that it is too soft. I don't think that's true. I think the piano can rock just as much as an electric guitar. Does anyone here play the piano and in what style do they play it? Also, can anyone list famous rock bands and songs which include the piano? __________________ In my place, in my place, were lines that I couldn't change. And I was lost, oh yeah.

07-12-2005, 05:03 PM
ArtistInTheAmbulance enchanted. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: cornwailles, angleterre. Posts: 2,553	Obviously, first that comes to mind is Queen. There are LOADS more I know, I think most bands use the piano from time to time, even if they have to temporarily get someone new in to play it. Normally piano is used on softer and slower songs though... On the emotional and depressing songs. Just cause the piano's good at that. Better than the harder sound that comes with rock, I think. __________________ shake your wings like theyre laced with sound!

07-12-2005, 05:11 PM
TheBig3KilledMyRainDog is Killing the Blues Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bostonia Posts: 3,748	Forte got dropped for the economy of language, no one else uses piano for the word "soft" so the intrument was fine keepinging it as was. I play piano but styles are for slackers and I purposly try t write each some completly diffrently than another. Its used for slower sounds because it can provide a much fuller sound then the guitar with supporting chords and the potential for more notes at one time. My two fav contemp piano acts right now are the Dresden Dolls and the Lingo. Also the new white stripes disc has some balls out rocking piano. __________________ “The night falls gracefully for those who have a love to call their own. But alas, for those to whom love has turned a blind eye – love, it falls like a guillotine” “No more waiting for fate to befall me, no. I have my dreamboat, and together we will find our destiny, choose our ladder to the sky” - Markus Pierson

07-12-2005, 05:34 PM
ArtistInTheAmbulance enchanted. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: cornwailles, angleterre. Posts: 2,553	Really? First band that came to my mind. Hmm, mebbe its just me. Queen always had a sh*t loada publicity for mixing piano and rock.. It was all "revolutionary and unique" as they put it. __________________ shake your wings like theyre laced with sound!

07-12-2005, 05:36 PM
Justus Groupie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5	Oh yeah, forgot that "Old Time Rock and Roll" featured a piano. Haha. Ben Folds is a great mention. He has some rocking songs that are piano based. He did a song called "Army" which makes great use of the piano for an upbeat song. __________________ In my place, in my place, were lines that I couldn't change. And I was lost, oh yeah.