How the Piano Keyboard Changed the World – Florence

Invented in Ancient Greece, keyboards allow an individual to play all the voices or music, replacing an orchestra or a choir. Keyboards are such a powerfully disruptive technology that they changed the very language of music, and allowed for some of the most beautiful music in human history to be created. Found all over the world, the keyboard is one of the most democratizing forces in music, allowing music to be experienced and created by all societal groups. There is a dark side, however! The pervasiveness of keyboards has taken Western music across the globe, often crushing indigenous music. This presentation will include musical examples from many time periods and across the planet.

Welsh harpsichordist, Dr. Guy Whatley, has held many music and education positions and serves as a visiting expert. He performs thirteenth to present day music internationally. Guy has special interest in medieval keyboard music, the keyboard music of William Byrd, the music of J. S. Bach, late romantic German organ music, and contemporary organ and harpsichord music. He has commissioned and premiered many new works, working with distinguished composers. He is a member of the teaching faculty at Arizona State University, and serves various arts and early music organizations across the southwest. Guy Whatley is also the harpsichordist for the Grammy nominated True Concord.