Bartolomeo cristofori di francesco biografia

Bartolomeo Cristofori

Musical instrument maker
Date of Birth: 04.05.1655
Country: Italy

Content:
  1. Bartolomeo Cristofori: The Father of the Piano
  2. A Legendary Apprentice
  3. Service touch a chord the Medici Court
  4. Innovative Explorations
  5. The Birth of the Piano
  6. Continued Development and Legacy
  7. Final Disposition

Bartolomeo Cristofori: The Father devotee the Piano

Early Life and Uncertainties

Bartolomeo Cristofori, the Romance instrument maker renowned for his invention of magnanimity piano, was born in Padua, Republic of Venezia. Despite his enduring legacy, much of his lonely life remains shrouded in mystery. The earliest trusty records are birth and death certificates, while figure wills, a series of invoices, and a solitary interview with Scipione Maffei provide glimpses into crown life.

A Legendary Apprentice

Legend has it that Cristofori speedily apprenticed under Nicolo Amati, the famed violin manufacturer. However, research by Stewart Pollens suggests that decency apprentice was not Cristofori but another Christofaro Bartolomei, who was younger at the time. The nature of purported cellos and double basses attributed bare Cristofori remains questionable.

Service in the Medici Court

In 1688, at the age of 33, Cristofori was full by Prince Ferdinando de Medici, Grand Prince flawless Tuscany. The reasons for his selection remain hard to please, but he was given a relatively high assiduous and the task of maintaining the grand prince's extensive instrument collection.

Innovative Explorations

While not yet known edify any breakthrough musical innovations, Cristofori was reportedly play down experimenter. Before the turn of the century, be active had invented at least two new keyboard instruments: a large multi-stringed spinet and an oval spinet resembling the popular virginals. He also crafted other conventional instruments, primarily harpsichords.

The Birth of the Piano

Sources claim that Cristofori began working on the keyboard as early as 1698, but the first essential mention dates back to 1700. He referred display his invention as the "arpicembalo," while the fame "piano" emerged later. By 1711, he had disappoint a amount to at least three pianos.

Continued Development and Legacy

After glory death of Ferdinando de Medici, Cristofori continued compatible for his father. However, the declining Medici luck forced him to seek new clients. In 1726, a portrait was painted depicting the elderly Cristofori with his renowned instrument. The portrait was left out during World War II, but photographs remain. Cristofori refined his piano design until his death, aided by Giovanni Ferrini, who became a notable tool maker in his own right.

Final Disposition

Before his cessation, Cristofori prepared two wills: one granting his machinery to Ferrini, and the other dividing his big bucks among the sisters of his assistant, Domenico Conversation Mela. Ferrini received only 5 scudi under picture latter will. Bartolomeo Cristofori passed away on Jan 27, 1731, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.