They originated from ancient wind instruments such as the flute and bagpipes. They are believed to have served as prototypes because of their construction: in the flute, multiple pipes were connected to form a single instrument, and in the bagpipes, there was a mechanism for indirectly propelling air into the pipe rather than through the mouth.
Later on, the mechanism was completed by a keyboard that was part of the instrument called hydraulis. It was constructed in the first half of the 3rd century BC by a certain Ktesibios, an inventor from Alexandria. Because the hydraulis produced loud and harsh sounds, it was used for performances in circuses, fairs, and open-air festivals. The peak of its popularity was during the Roman Empire - Emperor Nero is said to have played it well.
Replacing the water compressor with air-pumping bellows marked the beginning of the era of pneumatic organs. The player could sit and press the bellows with his hands or feet, creating a blast of air in the instrument. The oldest remains of a pneumatic organ found date back to the 3rd century AD. Over the centuries, the instrument was modified many times until electronic components were developed.
Today, the organ is a valued instrument in sacred and concert music. Its powerful sound and versatile capabilities allow the interpretation of various musical compositions, from Baroque works by Bach to contemporary compositions by Messiaen.
The instrument's unique history inspired the design of the clips. The yellow pipes refer to monumental instruments and prototypes, such as the flute. Next to them is the owner's initial designed by one of Poland's best typographers, Grzegorz Klimczewski. In each pipe and letter are framed black diamonds that symbolize the notches through which sound escapes. The composition is completed by a blackened negative space in a classical frame complemented by rubies.
