Disklavier Project

This project is dedicated to exploring the expressive and technical potential of the Disklavier piano through original compositions, studies, and innovative research. Here you will find a selection of my études, news, and links related to performances and discoveries made with this extraordinary instrument

Study 1: Dynamics

This study explores how the Disklavier manages expressive nuances by focusing on a single note (A) played across all octaves. Each note’s intensity is controlled in detail, revealing the instrument’s dynamic range.

[Video Link – Study 1]

Study 2: Polyphony and Individual Dynamics

An investigation into how many notes the Disklavier can play simultaneously, with each note assigned its own dynamic. The experiment identifies the practical limit of 48 simultaneous keys.
[Video Link – Study 2]

Study 3: Open-Scale Chords

This study demonstrates how each note within a chord can have a unique dynamic. The resulting chord structures are impossible for a human hand to perform.
[Video Link – Study 3]

Study 4: Chords with Different Durations

Here, each chord note is released in sequence, while the attack remains unified. This creates intricate temporal relationships inside a chord.

[Video Link – Study 4]

Study 5: Impossible Rhythms

The Disklavier performs extremely fast and irregular rhythms, alternating accelerando and rallentando, exposing mechanical limits and unique resonances.

[Video Link – Study 5]

Study 6: Harmonics and Resonance

The instrument is used as if divided into two pianos: one playing harmonics, the other holding keys in the bass, generating new resonance combinations.
[Video Link – Study 6]

Study 7: Large-Scale Polyphony

The piece consists of 4,800 notes distributed across ten musical lines, testing the Disklavier’s precision in reproducing complex polyphonic textures at speed and with detailed dynamics.
[VIDEO LINK – Study 7]

Study 8: Arpeggios

Originally planned as a glissando study, this work uses arpeggios to produce rapid, sustained passages through a pedal-like technique.
[Video Link – Study 8]

Study 9: Sudden Tempo Changes

This study features continuous tempo shifts and changing time signatures, requiring the Disklavier to precisely alternate rhythmic divisions.
[Video Link – Study 9]

Studio 10: Pedal Techniques

The difference in sound between holding the physical pedal and holding selected keys is explored, focusing on combinations of harmonics and subharmonics of C.
[Video Link – Study 10]