MUMBAI: Italian maker of musical instruments -Bartolomeo Cristofori di Francesco is being remembered by Google on his 360th birth anniversary. A special Doodle has been created by the search engine for Cristofori, who is credited for his invention of the piano.

If you click on the Doodle, it plays musical notes on a piano. The image also offers an option to share via Google +, Facebook, Twitter and email.

1655-born Cristofori first invented two keyboard instruments in the late 17 century as part of his initially work before the invention of the piano. However, those instruments were documented as an invention by a court musician- Giovanni Fuga. At the age of 33, Cristofori was recruited to work for Prince Ferdinando de Medici, a lover and patron of music, and the son and heir of Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Cristofori continued building instruments in the same line. There are nine instruments by Cristofori that have survived till date.

As the piano was expensive at that time, it is said that not many purchased it, and the instrument eventually became a property of the royals and wealthy families. Over the years, however, it was re-invented and re-designed, making it available to many.

Cristofori’s legacy was carried forward by his assistant Giovanni Ferrini.

He died in the year 1731 on 27 January in Florence, Italy.