Thanks for that "Walkabout" I've never been an real afficionado of the piano - like it and enjoy listening to a good pianist - can play a few simple 'one handed' tunes (in other words, I can't play, but I can get a simple melody out in a fumbling sort of way) which is why I admire a person who CAN play, and play well. Those rippling ?'glissando's' of sound which proclaim the piano being played well are stunning - I think only the harp can better evoke the sound of running water, but a piano can go close! That's pretty impressive for a wooden box with metal and ivory attachments!

So I've never really had cause to learn the history of, or familiarise myself with, the evolution of the instrment. I knew they were (even vaguely) in the same family but was unsure "which begat which".

My earlier tirade was simply my frustration at people who make sweeping, all-inclusive generalisations without actually delving into the facts behind their views and thus make silly, erroneous statements.
I am guessing the blue text is a link? I'll check that out. Thanks.

Where're you from?

Mutt