Bartolomeo Cristofori

(4 May 1655, Padua — 27 January 1731, Florence) Italian inventor and maker of keyboard stringed instruments, such as harpsichords, clavichords, spinets, and early fortepianos. Recognised as having a pioneering role in the invention of the modern piano. He is credited with inventing the hammer action for the harpsichord (the hammers strike the strings proportional to the force applied by the player thereby creating different volumes and qualities of sound.)