The original meaning of the term "piano" comes from the Italian phrase "piano e forte," which translates to "soft and loud." This terminology emphasizes the instrument's dynamic range, allowing musicians to play both softly and loudly based on their touch on the keys. The piano, invented in the early 18th century by Bartolomeo Cristofori, was revolutionary in its ability to produce a wide variety of volumes, making it distinct from earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord. This versatility contributed to the piano becoming a pivotal instrument in Western classical and contemporary music.