Player Piano
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video excerpt
Through a slight modification of its mechanism, a 1926 reproducing player piano plays back a manipulated and continually looping paper roll. The artist applied bits of tape to the paper to block the pneumatics from striking keys resulting in a much sparser composition than was originally intended. The resulting sounds of both the mechanics and tones of the instrument are then electronically modified before being rebroadcast through speakers into the same room. These effects color the sounds of the piano while simultaneously creating repeated layers that keep the composition in a continuous state of change.
Credits
Mechanical Consultation: Floyd Chamberlain
Originally exhibited at Tilt Project Space, Portland, Oregon.
This project was funded in part by the Regional Arts and Culture Council.