piano+ --------SEBASTIAN LEXER------background

spontanious interactive music instrument system

development of interactive music systems and the evaluation of such computerised extension of instruments in performance.

interactive computer systems extending the possibilities of conventional instruments. this implies a conceptualisation of instrumental design and techniques. the focus on the instrument rather than the musical results (concepts of composition) in preperation of the musical activity is a crutial step towards the development of new performance practices incorporating new technologies.

the setting of improvised music offers an invaluable terrain of research in such fields. improvised music requires the highest degrees of spontanity, adaptibility, and flexibility from the used instruments. furthermore instruments are being explored and pushed to their limits. in stark contrast to the compositional counterpart, improvised music cannot rely on a lengthy process of preperation to generate a specific sound. process of preparations available to compositions incorporating instruments (as well as players) for specific use to produce a specific sonic outcome (e.g. a box with glass to be shattered).

the piano+ is the amalgamation of a spontaneous performance system with the acoustic piano.

the current musical output is not considered to be final, yet it is certainly a step towards a performance practice embodying social activity as well as current technological advances. The following excerpts of solo studies illustrate the performativity and space suitable for a more social ensemble performance.

[Study III] - shifting focus (recorded live 26.06.05 @ Goldsmiths College

[Study IV] (recorded practice performance19.07.05)

[Solo] (performed and recorded in a concert at the UEA 10.10.2005) [mp3]

[Solo@SARC] (performed and recorded at the SARC, Belfast 02.02.2006)