Giraffe piano
Historical form of upright grand piano with vertically running strings.
What it means
The giraffe piano is a historical form of the piano: an upright grand whose strings run vertically. The shape recalls a grand piano set upright. The tall, upward-drawn case with its curved outline earned it the name after the giraffe.
Musical use
The giraffe piano was widespread above all in the first half of the 19th century, especially in Viennese instrument making. It took up less floor space than a horizontal grand, an advantage in smaller living rooms, and was often designed with decorated cases as a piece of furniture. Later it was displaced by the upright piano with obliquely or vertically running strings and more compact build.
The giraffe piano should be distinguished from the horizontal grand, whose strings run horizontally, and from the upright piano, the modern piano with a compact case. The giraffe piano is regarded as a forerunner of the upright piano but is a historical form of its own.
Performance practice
If you play a historical giraffe piano, expect a lighter, often brighter-sounding touch than on a modern grand. Check the tuning and the condition of the action before playing, since surviving instruments are delicate.