The positional relationship between the black and white keys on a piano changed sometime in the 19th century, as pianos became the dominant keyboard instrument.
The Color Switch of Piano Keys
Originally, piano keyboards featured a color scheme that was the inverse of today’s familiar black and white arrangement. The white keys were made from ebony and the black keys were made from ivory. The switch to the opposite color scheme, with white keys and black keys, occurred as the piano became the most popular keyboard instrument during the 19th century.
Key Points About the Change
- Original Color Scheme: White keys were historically made from ebony, while black keys were made from ivory.
- Reversal: Sometime in the 19th century, the black and white color scheme that we recognize today emerged. The white keys became ivory and the black keys became ebony.
- Dominance of the Piano: This shift occurred as pianos rose to dominance among keyboard instruments.
Why did the change occur?
The exact reasons behind the switch are not definitively documented, but there are theories that include:
- Practicality: Ebony was possibly more durable and affordable to use for the wider keys, and ivory more aesthetically pleasing for the upper keys.
- Visibility: The change in contrast may have made it easier for musicians to differentiate the notes on the keyboard.
| Feature | Original Arrangement | Current Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| White Keys | Ebony | Ivory |
| Black Keys | Ivory | Ebony |
| Time of Change | N/A | 19th Century |
