Why was the instrument that we know as the "piano" originally called the "pianoforte?"
1 point
It was called the "pianoforte" because it was the first keyboard instrument that could change dynamics.
It was called the pianoforte because it was invented by Johann Pianoforte.
It was called the "pianoforte" because the pedals on the instrument helped the performer play loud and soft.
All of the above.
The root Forte means to get louder, or excels, and Piano, as in pianissimo, means soft. So I would go with The first answer, the one about changing dynamics.
