The piano, as we recognize it today, owes its existence to Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian harpsichord maker, who ingeniously introduced hammers striking the strings to achieve varying degrees of loudness and softness. This groundbreaking innovation revolutionized keyboard instruments and laid the foundation for the modern piano.

The early versions of the piano, known as fortepianos, were smaller with a softer sound than today's grand pianos, but they offered enhanced expressive capabilities with touch-sensitive keys and dynamic range. Renowned composers like Mozart and Haydn embraced the fortepiano, capitalizing on its versatility and nuanced tonal qualities. The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century played a significant role in piano manufacturing, introducing advancements in metallurgy, woodworking techniques, and mass production. Consequently, larger, more robust pianos with expanded tonal power and dynamic range became prominent features in concert halls and homes alike.