noun
fortepiano
Refers to the early piano, as distinct from the modern piano. Used in historical music contexts.
from Italian
この曲はフォルテピアノで演奏すると、より当時の響きに近づく。
When this piece is performed on a fortepiano, it gets closer to the sound of that era.
ピアノ refers to the modern piano, while フォルテピアノ specifically denotes the early piano used in the Classical period.
Borrowed from Italian 'fortepiano', the original name for the instrument now commonly called 'pianoforte' or simply 'piano'.