This illustration by Lotza features a pianist performing, freely inspired by the warm and moving atmosphere of the film.Green BookThe piano, a struck string instrument with origins dating back more than three centuries, occupies an essential place in the history of music and world culture.
Invented in early 18th-century Italy by artisan Bartolomeo Cristofori, the piano has undergone constant evolution thanks to the innovations of passionate engineers, musicians, and craftsmen. From its earliest forms to modern 88-key models crafted from a subtle blend of wood and metal, the piano has become a versatile and expressive instrument capable of conveying great emotional richness.
Over time, the piano has established itself as a pillar of classical music, with legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Rachmaninov elevating this instrument through their timeless works. But its influence doesn't stop there: the piano is also at the heart of many other musical genres, from jazz to blues, rock to pop, embodying an inexhaustible source of creativity and expression.
Lotza's illustration sensitively captures the pianist's emotion, highlighting the expressive power and artistic depth that piano playing provides. This work reveals an entire cultural and historical universe, testifying to the undeniable importance of this instrument in the global musical landscape.