Based on its Latin origins, the term ‘piano’ is half a word. The other half being ‘forte’. The term, piano e forte, is the full name of what we know today as the piano and was first used in the 1700’s. The term literally means soft – loud and was devised to contrast the graduation of tone with the harpsicord.
It resonates with me that two contrasting and opposing sounds, soft – loud, can be combined to create soothing, symphonic music. Literally a symphony is a ‘harmony of contrasts’. Such a great styling principle. Creating a harmony out of contrasts: blues with greens, florals with checks , old with the new, classic with contemporary, thrift-shop with designer labels. And, in so doing, creating a personal bulwark against the triffid-like encroachment of styling abominations like layering, blending and matching.
Mix it up, toss it together and create a harmony. Not exactly Mozart-esque but it’s how I celebrate what makes me different.
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