Description
The research project Klavierautomat (piano automaton) studies the technical possibilities and artistic potential of a self-playing piano.
The ICST acquired a piano automaton in 2018. This device was developed and built by Winfried Ritsch. It can be mounted on any conventional upright or grand piano, thereby transforming it into a computerised instrument. The keys are struck by 88 solenoids which can operate at high speed. This opens a wide range of artistic possibilities, especially for the realisation of algorithmically generated music.
At the ICST, further developments are made to the hardware and software of the piano automaton, and artistic works that exemplify this device's characteristics are realised and presented to the public in concerts and/or sound installations.
The piano automaton is not meant to be a replacement for a human pianist. Its potential lies in its capacity to reproduce music that exceeds the possibilities of a human performer. But that does not mean that it cannot be juxtaposed with human music-making or performance. In addition to purely generative music, it is also possible to use the piano automaton for interactive or sensor-controlled scenarios as well as for improvised or composed human-machine chamber music.
Composers interested in this residency must submit a conceptual idea or a composition sketch that exhibits a strong interest in the possibilities of the piano automaton. (See “Conditions, application & selection process”)
We expressly encourage concepts that include additional musicians. However, their exact number and specialisation can only be determined after the residency projects have been selected. During the residency, the ICST provides the piano automaton and the necessary control software. Additional musicians are available for rehearsals on request and by arrangement. Composers are responsible for all other technologies they intend to use (e.g. generative software or sensors).