This project researches the artistic potential of a player piano.
The ICST acquired 2018 a Klavierautomat ('piano automaton'). This device was conceived and built by the Austrian artist Winfried Ritsch. It is a piano-playing robot that can be fixed on top of any ordinary grand or upright piano. From an artistic standpoint, several aspects of this device seem attractive. As it connects an acoustic piano to a computer, it is well suited for computer-generated music.
As part of this project, we realise artistic work that exemplifies the peculiarities of the Klavierautomat. Moreover, we further develop hardware and software. In collaboration with the ZHAW, an extension that can also depress the pedal of the piano has been under development since 2024.