Bartolomeo Cristofori was an Italian instrument maker born in 1655 in Padua. He is best known for inventing the piano, a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers. Cristofori's early pianos, called "gravicembalo col piano e forte," allowed musicians to play both soft and loud sounds, which was a significant advancement over previous keyboard instruments like the harpsichord. Cristofori's innovative design laid the foundation for modern pianos. He built several pianos during his lifetime, and his work influenced many future instrument makers. Cristofori passed away in 1731, but his contributions to music continue to be celebrated today.