In 1708, Italian instrument maker Bartolomeo Cristofori introduced the pianoforte, later known simply as the piano. This groundbreaking musical instrument allowed for expressive control over volume through varying pressure on its keys, revolutionizing music composition and performance. Unlike its predecessors, like the harpsichord, the piano enabled dynamic expression, which captured the interest of musicians and composers, leading to its widespread adoption and enduring influence in the music world.