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    Klavierautomat

    Reseach on the artistic potential of a computer-controlled piano

    Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST)

    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.

    Details

    • Research Focus
      • FSP Technologie und Musikalische Praxis
    • Project Lead
      • Philippe Kocher (ICST)
    • Team
      • David Inauen (DMU)
      • Daniel Bisig (ICST)
      • Sébastien Schiesser (ICST)
      • Christian Schweizer (ICST)
    • Cooperations
      • Winfried Ritsch
      • Manuel Hitz, ZHAW School of Engineering, Institute of Product Development and Production Technologies (IPP)
      • Gabriel Schneider, ZHAW School of Engineering, Institute of Product Development and Production Technologies (IPP)
    • Duration

      01.08.2018 – 31.12.2025

    • Research Approaches
      • Applied research
      • Artistic-scientific research
    • Disciplines

      Music

    • Keywords

      Klanginstallation, Algorithmische Musik, Komposition, Klangkunst, Neue Musik

    Output

    • Aufsätze in Tagungsakten (Vortrag, Keynote)

      Kocher, Philippe / Bisig, Daniel & Inauen, David (2019): «Playing the Piano. Understanding Algorithmic Music Through Interaction». Proceedings of the Generative Art Conference. Rom: 317–331. Online unter: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3744482.

    • Aufsätze in Tagungsakten (Vortrag, Keynote)

      Kocher, Philippe (2018): «The Piano Automaton as an Instrument for Algorithmic Music». Proceedings of the Generative Art Conference. Verona: 304–313. Online unter: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3546978.

    • Ausstellungen, Konzerte, Aufführungen, Filmpräsentationen etc.

      Kocher, Philippe / Bisig, Daniel & Inauen, David (2019): «Klavierspiel». Computergesteuertes Klavier. 04.10.2019–06.10.2019. 19. Jahreskongress der Gesellschaft für Musiktheorie, Zürich.

    • Ausstellungen, Konzerte, Aufführungen, Filmpräsentationen etc.

      Kocher, Philippe / Bisig, Daniel & Inauen, David (2019): «Klavierspiel». Computergesteuertes Klavier. 29.08.2019–01.09.2019. Design Biennale Zürich, Zürich.