by Roberto Piumini, illustrations Paolo Rui

Celebrated author Roberto Piumini reveals the secrets of violinmaking in an original story set between past and present, dream and reality, passion and talent.

“I sogni di Liu To” is dedicated to violinmaking, the noble craft in which Italy has excelled for over 500 years. The young Liu To dreams of winning the Antonio Stradivari Contest in Cremona, the Olympics of lutherie rewarding the most skilled violinmaker in the entire world. How will Liu To manage to create a perfect violin and how will he manage to compete against the greatest masters of this ancient and charming art? Three dreams, three adventures in the history of violinmaking, three outstanding artists will come to his aid.

Celebrated author Roberto Piumini reveals the secrets of violinmaking in an original story set between past and present, dream and reality, passion and talent. The text, in prose and verse, is enriched by the dreamlike and powerful illustrations by renowned artist Paolo Rui.

This 24-page volume is a patented format by Carthusia, which allows the story to be enjoyed in two ways. One side is an illustrated book, while the other presents four pages full of insights and interesting facts (edited by Virginia Villa, Alessandro Bardelli, Claudio Canevari from the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan) about violinmaking and famous Italian master luthiers: Andrea Amati, Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù”.

The volume was published on the occasion of the exhibition "Costruttori di Armonie. La liuteria dalla materia al gesto" (Milan, Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo, December 6th 2012 - April 7th 2013), curated by the Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art, Fondazione Orchestra Sinfonica and Coro Sinfonico di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Fondazione Antonio Stradivari Cremona – La Triennale. This initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of Vacheron Constantin, historical manufacture of watches in Geneva, and the contribution of Intesa Sanpaolo.