Antonio Cifra (circa 1584–1629) was an Italian composer and music theorist of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, primarily known for his contributions to instrumental music and his innovative approaches to musical notation. He was born in Venice and became associated with the Venetian school of music. Cifra's notable works include his collections of keyboard music, particularly "Intavolatura di cimbalo" (1620) and "Intavolatura di liuto" (1626), which feature intricate polyphonic textures and showcase the emerging stylistic transition from Renaissance to Baroque music. His compositions often utilized the lute and keyboard, reflecting the instrumental preferences of the time. Cifra's impact on music lies in his role as a bridge between Renaissance and Baroque styles, particularly in the development of instrumental music and the early forms of figured bass. His theoretical writings also contributed to the understanding of harmony and counterpoint, influencing subsequent generations of composers. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Cifra's work has been acknowledged for its significance in the evolution of Western classical music.