Dive in Bianco e Nero (standard CD edition)

Dive in Bianco e Nero is a solo piano album by Italian pianist and composer Walter Gaeta, released in 2023 by B.A.M. Records.

The album consists of ten compositions performed on solo piano, each dedicated to a historical “diva” of early cinema and theatre such as Eleonora Duse, Lyda Borelli, Francesca Bertini, Pina Menichelli and others. The only non-Italian figure represented is Pola Negri, a Polish actress who became an international star of the silent film era.

The project explores a musical language situated between jazz improvisation and contemporary classical writing. Gaeta employs extended piano techniques including percussion on the soundboard, objects placed on the strings, heavy use of the damper pedal, and other preparations that expand the instrument’s timbral possibilities. Electronic elements such as loops, effects and overdubbing appear in some pieces, while references to traditional jazz piano styles such as stride are also present.

The opening piece, L’alba sul lago ancor cupo, is conceived as a dedication to women who contributed to the history of civil rights.