ALTER PIANO, 2022, SeaM Weimar, Germany

ALTER PIANO, 2022, SeaM Weimar

In the middle of the 20th century, John Cage used rudimentary preparations to turn a piano into an African-like percussion instrument. The piano interface "Alter Piano" tries to turn a piano into a rabid ISBN modem. 12 digitally controlled electric motors on 12 metal arms inside a grand piano transform the instrument into a screeching, sawing monster. Prepared piano 2.0.? At the same time, the question of the relationship between man and machine, between instrument and slot machine, is constantly renegotiated by the motor interface inside the piano, the heart of Western musical culture. The interface plays itself and the composer acts only as a programmer, being directed and using the motors like body extensions, or it is simply overridden by human intervention, such as bowing on the strings or playing the interior piano with mallets and balls. 4 microphones above and below the piano microscope the sound during this process, transforming the piano into an electro-acoustic object and the piano frame into its three-dimensional environment. The project "Alter Piano" will be performed in a 45-minute concert performance consisting of 6 compositions by Jascha Hagen & Max Arsava. The different possibilities of interaction with the very special interface are explored performatively and sonically in the compositions (see video link). The interface can be installed in any standard grand piano. The concert will be accompanied by a detailed booklet (see appendix). The development of the interface, as well as the production of a double vinyl, which is expected to be released at the fall 2023.