Who Invented the Piano?

Bartolomeo Cristofori, who invented the piano, transformed the musical landscape for centuries to follow with his improvements upon the spinet and the harpsichord. In his desire for a keyboard instrument that would sustain loud and soft notes, Cristofori managed to introduce the pianoforte to the Italian courts, and eventually throughout Europe and beyond.

Early Years
Little is known about Cristofori's early life. He was born in the Republic of Venice in 1655 and may have studied music and instrument-making with local masters. At 33 years old, in 1688, Cristofori was hired by Prince Ferdinand de Medici, who was heir to the Tuscan throne. The young man's job was to be an instrument keeper, ensuring that they stayed in perfect condition. It was well known that the prince enjoyed music, and he may have encouraged young Cristofori to experiment with improvements on some of the instruments.

The Pianoforte
Cristofori was already an accomplished harpsichord and spinet maker by the time he arrived in the Italian courts. Cristofori was paid a salary and also received a small house and workshop. He probably worked on early versions of the piano in 1698 and 1699, because, by 1700, the inventory list for the Medici household included an instrument resembling a harpsichord but with hammers and dampers that helped control the sound.

Final Years
As the Medici family slowly lost influence and power, Cristofori was forced to sell his services elsewhere. Historic evidence shows that Cristofori made constant improvements and updates to the piano until he died in 1731. He had employed a few assistants, who continued in the production of pianos after his death. Three of Cristofori's pianos still exist today, but they are unplayable. He engraved each piano with his name, the date and the place where it was constructed.