Computer Controlled Pianos
Early Instruments
Audio CD
In late 1981 I had an idea to operate pianos through computer control. Much time, money and youth was spent bringing this idea into the physical world. The instruments documented here no longer exist. They were used to make the Meta-Action described below.
The recordings on Sturm und Drang cover the period of 1982-87.
See also, : A Perspective on the Acoustic Piano as a Performance Medium under Machine Control
See the Sturm und Drang page for more info on the earlier system.
The Meta-Action
The Meta-Action was funded from an Australia Council grant in 1986. It was designed and constructed at the Physics department workshop between 1986 and 1989 when it was shipped to the US. Design and construction was undertaken through the guidance and technical assistance of Marshal Maclean.
A META-ACTION FOR THE GRAND PIANO
Paper from the 1990 ICMC in Glasgow and see photos below.
NeXT, MusicKit, DSP 56001 and the Grand Piano : A Study in Interfacing Computing Technology to an Acoustic Instrument
Paper from a Computer Music conference and Festival held in Delphi, Greece in 1992
Chapter 1. The MetaAction Project
(From my 1993 PhD)
B/W, overview of piano with action installed
B/W, front view of installed action
B/W, close up of installed action
Early test installation using Chris Mann's Piano
Early test installation using Chris Mann's Piano
Early test installation using Chris Mann's Piano
Under constuction in the Physics department Workshop
Meta-Action near completion
Meta-Action near completion
Meta-Action near completion
Meta-Action near completion
Meta-Action near completion
Flight case
Flight case
