Pronunciation: [pɪˈanə͡ʊ ˈɔːɡən] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the musical instrument "piano organ" is piano o-rgan, with the stress on the second syllable of "organ." The "o" in "organ" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, as in "so." The IPA transcription for "piano organ" would be /piˈænoʊ ˈɔrɡən/. The instrument combines the sound and keyboard of a piano with the pipes and pedals of an organ, allowing for a wide range of musical expression.
A piano organ refers to a keyboard instrument that combines attributes and functionalities of both a piano and an organ. It is commonly known as a hybrid instrument, as it aims to blend the rich, resonant tones of an organ with the versatility and expressiveness of a piano.
The piano organ typically has a keyboard similar to that of a piano, consisting of black and white keys. It allows the musician to produce sound by striking the keys, which in turn activate internal mechanisms that produce the desired tones. Unlike a traditional piano, however, a piano organ also incorporates organ pipes or electronic sound generators, in addition to the piano strings, to generate sound. This allows for a wider range of tonal possibilities and textures, as the organ components can produce sustained, complex sounds, while the piano strings produce percussive and resonant tones.
The combination of piano and organ elements in a piano organ enables musicians to perform a diverse range of music genres, ranging from classical, jazz, and pop to religious and contemporary compositions. Due to its unique features and versatile sound capabilities, the piano organ is often used in churches, concert halls, recording studios, and by musicians who desire a broad tonal palette. It offers the opportunity for nuanced expression through blending and contrasting the timbres of the piano and organ, resulting in a distinct and captivating musical experience.
The word "piano organ" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate terms: "piano" and "organ".
The term "piano" originated from the Italian word "pianoforte", which translates to "soft-loud". It was named as such because the instrument had the ability to play both soft (piano) and loud (forte) sounds due to the invention of its expressive keyboard. The word "pianoforte" was eventually shortened to "piano" and adopted into English.
The term "organ", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "organon", meaning "instrument". It originally referred to a group of wind instruments such as flutes and pipes.
