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In terms of pieces fit together, I think it would help to look at the insides of some Russian Orthodox churches. The music rack is a lot like the divider behind the altar, and the way it all fits together feels similar to the way the churches are decorated. Here is one example, you can kind see the lacy sort of gold there:



Here is another example to show you how it all fits together in terms of layout. See how each picture has its own place. That is typical of Russian Orthodox churches.



If you enter a Russian Orthodox church, with the congregation singing call and answer with the priest, ancient melodies ringing high up into the darkness, it is truly a beautiful experience. The architecture and service are all designed to give you a feeling of respect and love. They congregation also stands for several hours:








Why not? Just paint every surface!


Then if you go anywhere is Russia, you will see lacquer boxes for sale, with scenes from typical Russian folklore:







The painting on the inside of the case is a famous scene of the Great Gate of Kiev, which is one of Mussorgsky's works. It is not uncommon for Pictures at an Exhibition to be a Russian child's first introduction to classical music. They are all tied together because they are part of the experience of being Russian, or even being in Russia. I have no idea how it relates to Steinway!

These are the elements that I see in this artwork, and hopefully you see them, too.

I admit I don't know what the painting on the top of the lid is from, though.

Another way of looking at it. There are two kinds of art style. One is the sort of minimalism, "Scandinavian Design" that has taken over much of the asthetic lately, like a single Japanese brush stroke on a page that communicates everything with a splotch of black on white.

The other is to create art that is so detailed and so deep that it draws you in, and the more you look at it, the more you see. There are so many elements that you just keep looking and looking. Like so many treasure boxes of the kind in Amahl and the Night Visitors. The Trinity Church in Boston is one example of such art, and architects today look at it to draw inspiration:



Not to knock minimalism, they're different but both good. A whole world can be contained in a brush stroke.

Great examples Sam!

You know you have my respect, but we have to agree to disagree on this one. Each of the examples you used to illustrate your point actually are coherent artistic ideas with stylistic themes and techniques throughout that make sense. As I said, I feel that each part of the piano makes sense within itself, but together are just a mash up and are quite a mess. This is only MHO of course.

I love that you are defending your thoughts and, in the end, you may be right. I just do not see it that way Sir phantomFive.

Cheers!

"It is an unprecedented artistic triumph blending music, design, history, narrative storytelling, mythology, psychology, and visual art."

Huh? I dunno' whether to break out the ELP album, don my lederhosen, sharpen my axe, or just cry.

"Unprecedented" indeed...surely to go down in the anals I mean annals of history as one of if not the most ostentatious and contrived Steinway "art" cases ever! Gosh. That. Is. Absolutely. Hideous.

Regards,
Andy

My first thought "Did Liberace rise from the dead?".

How wonderfully tacky - I totally imagine this beast one day starring in a Las Vegas casino.

De gustibus non est disputandum.

Ain't that the truth!

That's just ruined my supper ...

Fareham