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    Residency B: Klavierautomat

    • Description
    • Course of the Residency
    • Support
    • Performance
    • Conditions, application & selection process

    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).

    Klavierautomat

    Course of the Residency

    The residency’s duration is two weeks (14 days) and begins at the end of July/beginning of August 2025. 

    Support

    Philippe Kocher will be available to answer technical questions throughout the residency.

    Performance

    If there is a mutual interest, the residency’s results will be presented within a public performance or a talk at the ICST.

    Klavierautomat close-up

    Conditions, application & selection process

    Applications for the Artists in Residence at ICST program must be submitted using the online form.

    The deadline for applications is 1 September 2024. Candidates will be notified in mid-October 2024. The residencies will be awarded by a jury consisting of ICST researchers and project leaders.

    Please upload the following documents: 

    1. Concept sketch, composition idea or project draft (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    2. Portfolio containing three selected works relevant to the residency topic, including links to external media (audio & video) (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    3. CV in tabular form containing information on education and career (PDF, 1 page and 10 MB max.) 

    The selected candidates will be notified by email. Together with the notification, they receive the forms required for an invitation to Switzerland and are kindly asked to confirm their participation and return the filled-out forms within 10 days. If the period of 10 days is not observed, the ICST can withdraw the invitation.

    The exact dates for the residencies will be defined individually.

    The residencies include the use of facilities and technical infrastructure as specified in the thematic descriptions, as well as technical support by ICST research staff. 

    Participants will receive a contribution to their expenses for travel to Zurich (up to CHF 300 for persons living in Europe, up to CHF 500 for persons living outside Europe), as well as a per diem to cover meals and accommodation in Zurich during the residency. Participants organise their own travel and accommodation in Zurich, with ICST providing assistance if required.