24 Piano
The ancestry1 of the piano can be traced to the early keyboard instruments of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries -- the spinet2, the dulcimer, and the virginal. In the seventeenth century the organ, the clavichord3, and the harpsichord4 became the chief instruments of the keyboard group, a supremacy5 they maintained until the piano supplanted6 them at the end of the eighteenth century. The clavichord's tone was metallic7 and never powerful; nevertheless, because of the variety of tone possible to it, many composers found the clavichord a sympathetic instrument for intimate chamber8 music. The harpsichord with its bright, vigorous tone was the favorite instrument for supporting the bass9 of the small orchestra of the period and for concert use, but the character of the tone could not be varied10 save by mechanical or structural11 devices.
The piano was perfected in the early eighteenth century by a harpsichord maker12 in Italy(though musicologists point out several previous instances of the instrument). This instrument was called a piano e forte13 (soft and loud), to indicate its dynamic versatility14; its strings15 were struck by a recoiling16 hammer with a felt-padded head. The wires were much heavier in the earlier instruments. A series of mechanical improvements continuing well into the nineteenth century, including the introduction of pedals to sustain tone or to soften17 it, the perfection of a metal frame, and steel wire of the finest quality, finally produced an instrument capable of myriad18 tonal effects from the most delicate harmonies to an almost orchestral fullness of sound, from a liquid, singing tone to a sharp, percussive19 brilliance20.
鋼琴
鋼琴的家系可以追溯至15至16世紀(jì)早期的鍵盤樂器，包括小型撥弦琴、洋琴和維金娜琴。 17世紀(jì)時(shí)風(fēng)琴、敲弦琴和撥弦琴成為鍵盤樂器類的主要成員。 這種至高無上的地位一直為它們所保持，直到18世紀(jì)末期鋼琴將它們?nèi)〈?敲弦古鋼琴的音調(diào)有金屬的音質(zhì)，缺乏雄勁。 然而由于它的音調(diào)變化多，許多作曲家發(fā)現(xiàn)對(duì)于親切的室內(nèi)樂是一種得體的樂器。 人們最喜歡用具備明快有力音調(diào)的撥弦古鋼琴來配合當(dāng)時(shí)小型管弦樂團(tuán)的低音樂器以及在演奏會(huì)上演奏。 但它的音調(diào)難以變化，除非使用機(jī)械或構(gòu)件裝置。18世紀(jì)早期的意大利，鋼琴在一位撥琴鋼琴制造者手中得到完善(盡管音樂理論家們指出有更早的例子)。 這種樂器被稱為piano eforte (意大利語，柔和而響亮的)，以顯示它有力的多樣性。 演奏者用一個(gè)頭部帶皮氈的彈擊樂錘敲擊琴弦。 更早的這種樂器之上的金屬絲要重得多。 從此，持續(xù)到19世紀(jì)的一系列機(jī)械上的改進(jìn)，包括引入踏板以維持音調(diào)或使其柔和，改善金屬框架，以及使用性能的鋼絲，最終產(chǎn)生了一種具備無數(shù)音調(diào)效果的樂器。 這些效果涵蓋了從最精致的和聲到幾乎全部的管弦樂音響，從明快流暢的吟唱的音調(diào)到尖銳的打擊樂器的清晰動(dòng)人的恢宏氣勢(shì)。
1 ancestry
n.祖先，家世
參考例句：
Their ancestry settled the land in 1856.他們的祖輩1856年在這塊土地上定居下來。
He is an American of French ancestry.他是法國(guó)血統(tǒng)的美國(guó)人。
2 spinet
n.小型立式鋼琴
參考例句：
One afternoon,when I was better,I played the spinet.有天下午，我好了一點(diǎn)時(shí)，便彈奏鋼琴。
The spinet was too big for me to play.鋼琴太大了不適合我彈。
3 clavichord
n.（敲弦）古鋼琴
參考例句：
Our clavichord is kept in the living room.我們的擊弦古鋼琴是放在起居室里的。
The clavichord which my grandfather bought years ago was damaged.我祖父多年前買的古鋼琴被損壞了。
4 harpsichord
n.鍵琴（鋼琴前身）
參考例句：
I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it.我會(huì)彈奏大鍵琴，同樣地，我也會(huì)給大鍵琴調(diào)音。
Harpsichord music is readily playable.古鋼琴音樂可以隨時(shí)演奏。
5 supremacy
n.至上；至高權(quán)力
參考例句：
No one could challenge her supremacy in gymnastics.她是秀的體操運(yùn)動(dòng)員，無人能勝過她。
Theoretically,she holds supremacy as the head of the state.從理論上說，她作為國(guó)家的元首擁有至高無上的權(quán)力。
6 supplanted
把…排擠掉，取代( supplant的過去式和過去分詞 )
參考例句：
In most offices, the typewriter has now been supplanted by the computer. 當(dāng)今許多辦公室里，打字機(jī)已被電腦取代。
The prime minister was supplanted by his rival. 首相被他的政敵趕下臺(tái)了。
7 metallic
adj.金屬的；金屬制的；含金屬的；產(chǎn)金屬的；像金屬的
參考例句：
A sharp metallic note coming from the outside frightened me.外面?zhèn)鱽砑怃J鏗鏘的聲音嚇了我一跳。
He picked up a metallic ring last night.昨夜他撿了一個(gè)金屬戒指。
8 chamber
n.房間，寢室；會(huì)議廳；議院；會(huì)所
參考例句：
For many,the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.對(duì)許多人來說，牙醫(yī)的治療室一直是間受刑室。
The chamber was ablaze with light.會(huì)議廳里燈火輝煌。
9 bass
n.男低音(歌手)；低音樂器；低音大提琴
參考例句：
He answered my question in a surprisingly deep bass.他用一種低得出奇的聲音回答我的問題。
The bass was to give a concert in the park.那位男低音歌唱家將在公園中舉行音樂會(huì)。
10 varied
adj.多樣的，多變化的
參考例句：
The forms of art are many and varied.藝術(shù)的形式是多種多樣的。
The hotel has a varied programme of nightly entertainment.賓館有各種晚間娛樂活動(dòng)。
11 structural
adj.構(gòu)造的，組織的，建筑（用）的
參考例句：
The storm caused no structural damage.風(fēng)暴沒有造成建筑結(jié)構(gòu)方面的破壞。
The North American continent is made up of three great structural entities.北美大陸是由三個(gè)構(gòu)造單元組成的。
12 maker
n.制造者，制造商
參考例句：
He is a trouble maker，You must be distant with him.他是個(gè)搗蛋鬼，你不要跟他在一起。
A cabinet maker must be a master craftsman.家具木工必須是技藝高超的手藝人。
13 forte
n.長(zhǎng)處，擅長(zhǎng)；adj.(音樂)強(qiáng)音的
參考例句：
Her forte is playing the piano.她擅長(zhǎng)彈鋼琴。
His forte is to show people around in the company.他最拿手的就是向大家介紹公司。
14 versatility
n.多才多藝，多樣性，多功能
參考例句：
Versatility is another of your strong points,but don't overdo it by having too many irons in the fire.你還有一個(gè)長(zhǎng)處是多才多藝，但不要攬事太多而太露鋒芒。
This versatility comes from a dual weather influence.這種多樣性是由于雙重的氣候影響而形成的。
15 strings
n.弦
參考例句：
He sat on the bed,idly plucking the strings of his guitar.他坐在床上，隨意地?fù)苤南摇?BR> She swept her fingers over the strings of the harp.她用手指劃過豎琴的琴弦。
16 recoiling
v.畏縮( recoil的現(xiàn)在分詞 )；退縮；報(bào)應(yīng)；返回
參考例句：
Some of the energy intended for the photon is drained off by the recoiling atom. 原來給予光子的能量有一部分為反沖原子所消耗。 來自辭典例句
A second method watches for another effect of the recoiling nucleus: ionization. 探測(cè)器使用的第二種方法，是觀察反沖原子核的另一種效應(yīng)：游離。 來自互聯(lián)網(wǎng)
17 soften
v.(使)變?nèi)彳洠?使)變?nèi)岷?BR> 參考例句：
Plastics will soften when exposed to heat.塑料適當(dāng)加熱就可以軟化。
This special cream will help to soften up our skin.這種特殊的護(hù)膚霜有助于使皮膚變得柔軟。
18 myriad
adj.無數(shù)的；n.無數(shù)，極大數(shù)量
參考例句：
They offered no solution for all our myriad problems.對(duì)于我們數(shù)不清的問題他們束手無策。
I had three weeks to make a myriad of arrangements.我花了三個(gè)星期做大量準(zhǔn)備工作。
19 percussive
adj.敲擊的
參考例句：
When it is dragged over pliant areas, an additional percussive tap could indicate this collision. 當(dāng)它被拖到受范區(qū)域時(shí)，一個(gè)附加的敲擊聲提示這種碰觸。 來自About Face 3交互設(shè)計(jì)精髓
Pneumatic DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammer is one of main pneumatic percussive-rotary drilling equipments. 風(fēng)動(dòng)沖擊器是氣動(dòng)沖擊回轉(zhuǎn)鉆進(jìn)的主要設(shè)備之一。 來自互聯(lián)網(wǎng)
20 brilliance
n.光輝，輝煌，壯麗，（卓越的）才華，才智
參考例句：
I was totally amazed by the brilliance of her paintings.她的繪畫才能令我驚歎不已。
The gorgeous costume added to the brilliance of the dance.華麗的服裝使舞蹈更加光彩奪目。
The ancestry1 of the piano can be traced to the early keyboard instruments of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries -- the spinet2, the dulcimer, and the virginal. In the seventeenth century the organ, the clavichord3, and the harpsichord4 became the chief instruments of the keyboard group, a supremacy5 they maintained until the piano supplanted6 them at the end of the eighteenth century. The clavichord's tone was metallic7 and never powerful; nevertheless, because of the variety of tone possible to it, many composers found the clavichord a sympathetic instrument for intimate chamber8 music. The harpsichord with its bright, vigorous tone was the favorite instrument for supporting the bass9 of the small orchestra of the period and for concert use, but the character of the tone could not be varied10 save by mechanical or structural11 devices.
The piano was perfected in the early eighteenth century by a harpsichord maker12 in Italy(though musicologists point out several previous instances of the instrument). This instrument was called a piano e forte13 (soft and loud), to indicate its dynamic versatility14; its strings15 were struck by a recoiling16 hammer with a felt-padded head. The wires were much heavier in the earlier instruments. A series of mechanical improvements continuing well into the nineteenth century, including the introduction of pedals to sustain tone or to soften17 it, the perfection of a metal frame, and steel wire of the finest quality, finally produced an instrument capable of myriad18 tonal effects from the most delicate harmonies to an almost orchestral fullness of sound, from a liquid, singing tone to a sharp, percussive19 brilliance20.
鋼琴
鋼琴的家系可以追溯至15至16世紀(jì)早期的鍵盤樂器，包括小型撥弦琴、洋琴和維金娜琴。 17世紀(jì)時(shí)風(fēng)琴、敲弦琴和撥弦琴成為鍵盤樂器類的主要成員。 這種至高無上的地位一直為它們所保持，直到18世紀(jì)末期鋼琴將它們?nèi)〈?敲弦古鋼琴的音調(diào)有金屬的音質(zhì)，缺乏雄勁。 然而由于它的音調(diào)變化多，許多作曲家發(fā)現(xiàn)對(duì)于親切的室內(nèi)樂是一種得體的樂器。 人們最喜歡用具備明快有力音調(diào)的撥弦古鋼琴來配合當(dāng)時(shí)小型管弦樂團(tuán)的低音樂器以及在演奏會(huì)上演奏。 但它的音調(diào)難以變化，除非使用機(jī)械或構(gòu)件裝置。18世紀(jì)早期的意大利，鋼琴在一位撥琴鋼琴制造者手中得到完善(盡管音樂理論家們指出有更早的例子)。 這種樂器被稱為piano eforte (意大利語，柔和而響亮的)，以顯示它有力的多樣性。 演奏者用一個(gè)頭部帶皮氈的彈擊樂錘敲擊琴弦。 更早的這種樂器之上的金屬絲要重得多。 從此，持續(xù)到19世紀(jì)的一系列機(jī)械上的改進(jìn)，包括引入踏板以維持音調(diào)或使其柔和，改善金屬框架，以及使用性能的鋼絲，最終產(chǎn)生了一種具備無數(shù)音調(diào)效果的樂器。 這些效果涵蓋了從最精致的和聲到幾乎全部的管弦樂音響，從明快流暢的吟唱的音調(diào)到尖銳的打擊樂器的清晰動(dòng)人的恢宏氣勢(shì)。
1 ancestry
n.祖先，家世
參考例句：
Their ancestry settled the land in 1856.他們的祖輩1856年在這塊土地上定居下來。
He is an American of French ancestry.他是法國(guó)血統(tǒng)的美國(guó)人。
2 spinet
n.小型立式鋼琴
參考例句：
One afternoon,when I was better,I played the spinet.有天下午，我好了一點(diǎn)時(shí)，便彈奏鋼琴。
The spinet was too big for me to play.鋼琴太大了不適合我彈。
3 clavichord
n.（敲弦）古鋼琴
參考例句：
Our clavichord is kept in the living room.我們的擊弦古鋼琴是放在起居室里的。
The clavichord which my grandfather bought years ago was damaged.我祖父多年前買的古鋼琴被損壞了。
4 harpsichord
n.鍵琴（鋼琴前身）
參考例句：
I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it.我會(huì)彈奏大鍵琴，同樣地，我也會(huì)給大鍵琴調(diào)音。
Harpsichord music is readily playable.古鋼琴音樂可以隨時(shí)演奏。
5 supremacy
n.至上；至高權(quán)力
參考例句：
No one could challenge her supremacy in gymnastics.她是秀的體操運(yùn)動(dòng)員，無人能勝過她。
Theoretically,she holds supremacy as the head of the state.從理論上說，她作為國(guó)家的元首擁有至高無上的權(quán)力。
6 supplanted
把…排擠掉，取代( supplant的過去式和過去分詞 )
參考例句：
In most offices, the typewriter has now been supplanted by the computer. 當(dāng)今許多辦公室里，打字機(jī)已被電腦取代。
The prime minister was supplanted by his rival. 首相被他的政敵趕下臺(tái)了。
7 metallic
adj.金屬的；金屬制的；含金屬的；產(chǎn)金屬的；像金屬的
參考例句：
A sharp metallic note coming from the outside frightened me.外面?zhèn)鱽砑怃J鏗鏘的聲音嚇了我一跳。
He picked up a metallic ring last night.昨夜他撿了一個(gè)金屬戒指。
8 chamber
n.房間，寢室；會(huì)議廳；議院；會(huì)所
參考例句：
For many,the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.對(duì)許多人來說，牙醫(yī)的治療室一直是間受刑室。
The chamber was ablaze with light.會(huì)議廳里燈火輝煌。
9 bass
n.男低音(歌手)；低音樂器；低音大提琴
參考例句：
He answered my question in a surprisingly deep bass.他用一種低得出奇的聲音回答我的問題。
The bass was to give a concert in the park.那位男低音歌唱家將在公園中舉行音樂會(huì)。
10 varied
adj.多樣的，多變化的
參考例句：
The forms of art are many and varied.藝術(shù)的形式是多種多樣的。
The hotel has a varied programme of nightly entertainment.賓館有各種晚間娛樂活動(dòng)。
11 structural
adj.構(gòu)造的，組織的，建筑（用）的
參考例句：
The storm caused no structural damage.風(fēng)暴沒有造成建筑結(jié)構(gòu)方面的破壞。
The North American continent is made up of three great structural entities.北美大陸是由三個(gè)構(gòu)造單元組成的。
12 maker
n.制造者，制造商
參考例句：
He is a trouble maker，You must be distant with him.他是個(gè)搗蛋鬼，你不要跟他在一起。
A cabinet maker must be a master craftsman.家具木工必須是技藝高超的手藝人。
13 forte
n.長(zhǎng)處，擅長(zhǎng)；adj.(音樂)強(qiáng)音的
參考例句：
Her forte is playing the piano.她擅長(zhǎng)彈鋼琴。
His forte is to show people around in the company.他最拿手的就是向大家介紹公司。
14 versatility
n.多才多藝，多樣性，多功能
參考例句：
Versatility is another of your strong points,but don't overdo it by having too many irons in the fire.你還有一個(gè)長(zhǎng)處是多才多藝，但不要攬事太多而太露鋒芒。
This versatility comes from a dual weather influence.這種多樣性是由于雙重的氣候影響而形成的。
15 strings
n.弦
參考例句：
He sat on the bed,idly plucking the strings of his guitar.他坐在床上，隨意地?fù)苤南摇?BR> She swept her fingers over the strings of the harp.她用手指劃過豎琴的琴弦。
16 recoiling
v.畏縮( recoil的現(xiàn)在分詞 )；退縮；報(bào)應(yīng)；返回
參考例句：
Some of the energy intended for the photon is drained off by the recoiling atom. 原來給予光子的能量有一部分為反沖原子所消耗。 來自辭典例句
A second method watches for another effect of the recoiling nucleus: ionization. 探測(cè)器使用的第二種方法，是觀察反沖原子核的另一種效應(yīng)：游離。 來自互聯(lián)網(wǎng)
17 soften
v.(使)變?nèi)彳洠?使)變?nèi)岷?BR> 參考例句：
Plastics will soften when exposed to heat.塑料適當(dāng)加熱就可以軟化。
This special cream will help to soften up our skin.這種特殊的護(hù)膚霜有助于使皮膚變得柔軟。
18 myriad
adj.無數(shù)的；n.無數(shù)，極大數(shù)量
參考例句：
They offered no solution for all our myriad problems.對(duì)于我們數(shù)不清的問題他們束手無策。
I had three weeks to make a myriad of arrangements.我花了三個(gè)星期做大量準(zhǔn)備工作。
19 percussive
adj.敲擊的
參考例句：
When it is dragged over pliant areas, an additional percussive tap could indicate this collision. 當(dāng)它被拖到受范區(qū)域時(shí)，一個(gè)附加的敲擊聲提示這種碰觸。 來自About Face 3交互設(shè)計(jì)精髓
Pneumatic DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammer is one of main pneumatic percussive-rotary drilling equipments. 風(fēng)動(dòng)沖擊器是氣動(dòng)沖擊回轉(zhuǎn)鉆進(jìn)的主要設(shè)備之一。 來自互聯(lián)網(wǎng)
20 brilliance
n.光輝，輝煌，壯麗，（卓越的）才華，才智
參考例句：
I was totally amazed by the brilliance of her paintings.她的繪畫才能令我驚歎不已。
The gorgeous costume added to the brilliance of the dance.華麗的服裝使舞蹈更加光彩奪目。