aspects
7 preludes for magnetic resonator piano2025
~38’27”
I. aldgate pump, 6’06”
II. storage ring, 6’52”
III. grótta, 2’06”
IV. acanthus, 4’53”
V. sheela-na-gig, 4’10”
VI. thermocouple, 7’40”
VII. mezzaluna, 6’40”
aspects is a set of 7 preludes for "magnetic resonator piano" (MRP), an apparatus invented by Andrew McPherson which is installed on a grand piano and uses electromagnets to induce vibrations in the strings, allowing for infinite sustain, crescendi, harmonics, pitch bends, and more. The magnets are controlled by a scanner bar which measures key position, giving the player the opportunity to continuously control individual notes, and the keys may still be hammered as normal.
These preludes were conceived in June 2023, right after I finished my Master's studies at Listaháskóli Íslands. The University had acquired the instrument via the Intelligent Instruments Lab, and I wanted to explore its notational and sonic potential through the creation of repertoire for the students who would later have access to it. Each piece takes a slightly different approach to notation, employing subtle variations to emphasise different aspects of the MRP's unique sounds and techniques. The possibility for infinite sustain brings the player into a new temporal relationship with the piano, and this flexibility is variably written into the piece's durational structures. There are several degrees of interpretive freedom, and each prelude provides its own challenges.
this project was generously supported by an Agility Award from Arts Council Ireland and a grant from Tónskáldasjóður RÚV og STEFs (RÚV and STEF Composer's Fund), Iceland.