Why was the Forte-Piano abbreviated as 'Piano' and not as 'Forte'?

Question

Piano is often just short for Forte-Piano, the instrument's christened name. Why is it that the more common name did not become the Forte? Is that just a thing that fate decided or was there someone who decided on the piano?

Answer 1

The fortepiano is actually a different instrument from the pianoforte, the instrument we most commonly think of when we think of piano.

The fortepiano was very similar, but did not respond as well to the touch of the pianist, and it was much more difficult to get dynamics on it.

The pianoforte was invented a little later and featured a much wider range of sounds and dynamics. It was able to play very softly and very loudly, amongst other things.

As for the abbreviation, the term "pianoforte" is still used in languages like Italian, since the words "piano" and "forte" have separate meanings by themselves. In English, it is likely the term "piano" just stuck since it is the first part of the word and most likely to be remembered.