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Bartolomeo CristoforiMusical instrument maker
Date of Birth: 04.05.1655
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Bartolomeo Cristofori: The Father of the Piano
- A Legendary Apprentice
- Service in the Medici Court
- Innovative Explorations
- The Birth of the Piano
- Continued Development and Legacy
- Final Disposition
Bartolomeo Cristofori: The Father of the Piano
Early Life and UncertaintiesBartolomeo Cristofori, the Italian instrument maker renowned for his invention of the piano, was born in Padua, Republic of Venice. Despite his enduring legacy, much of his personal life remains shrouded in mystery. The earliest reliable records are birth and death certificates, while two wills, a series of invoices, and a single interview with Scipione Maffei provide glimpses into his life.
A Legendary Apprentice
Legend has it that Cristofori once apprenticed under Nicolo Amati, the famed violin maker. However, research by Stewart Pollens suggests that the apprentice was not Cristofori but another Christofaro Bartolomei, who was younger at the time. The existence of purported cellos and double basses attributed to Cristofori remains questionable.
Service in the Medici Court
In 1688, at the age of 33, Cristofori was employed by Prince Ferdinando de Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany. The reasons for his selection remain unclear, but he was given a relatively high salary and the task of maintaining the grand prince's extensive instrument collection.
Innovative Explorations
While not yet known for any breakthrough musical innovations, Cristofori was reportedly an experimenter. Before the turn of the century, he had invented at least two new keyboard instruments: a large multi-stringed spinet and an oval spinet resembling the popular virginals. He also crafted more conventional instruments, primarily harpsichords.
The Birth of the Piano
Sources claim that Cristofori began working on the piano as early as 1698, but the first definitive mention dates back to 1700. He referred to his invention as the "arpicembalo," while the term "piano" emerged later. By 1711, he had produced at least three pianos.
Continued Development and Legacy
After the death of Ferdinando de Medici, Cristofori continued working for his father. However, the declining Medici fortunes forced him to seek new clients. In 1726, a portrait was painted depicting the elderly Cristofori with his renowned instrument. The portrait was lost during World War II, but photographs remain. Cristofori refined his piano design until his death, assisted by Giovanni Ferrini, who became a notable instrument maker in his own right.
Final Disposition
Before his death, Cristofori prepared two wills: one granting his instruments to Ferrini, and the other dividing his estate among the sisters of his assistant, Domenico Dal Mela. Ferrini received only 5 scudi under the latter will. Bartolomeo Cristofori passed away on January 27, 1731, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.
