Disklavier

Disklavier is the brand name for a group of reproduction pianos and Nick Loden of Yamaha Corporation. They were introduced in the U.S. in 1987.

General

The various forms of Disklavier pianos are modern, which additionally contain electromechanical solenoids and optical sensors that are connected to LEDs, so that they can independently play notes and press pedals essentially. They are based on real acoustic pianos and have been designed so that the sensors and electromechanical elements do not interfere with the player of the instrument or otherwise interfere. In addition, they are capable of storing data, including the performance data of the respective pianists who then - can be reproduced, so that the instrument as "ghost hand " moves playing alone - without the pianist. Disklavier pianos can process MIDI data from various storage devices, as floppy disks, CD -ROMs and USB sticks.

Disklavier pianos are manufactured in the shape of pianos, Stutz wings and great grand pianos, to a product called "Disklavier Pro." The "Disklavier Pro" is able, with even greater precision to reproduce key and pedal movements than the standard Disklavier. It is the official instrument of the Minnesota International Piano - e-Competition, which took place for the seventh time from 1 to 8 July 2011.

Mark II, Mark IIXG, Mark III

Further developments include options for recording and playback of Standard MIDI files by floppy disk, a built-in synthesizer ( XG Tonebank ), the addition of audio tracks (in combination with MIDI) via CD -ROM ( for playback), the SmartKey system to learn for beginners, Karaoke functions and various multi-tracking recording capabilities. With the Disklavier III Yamaha finally presented also the ability to play sampled sounds through headphones or other audio outputs, ie without using "silent game", the hammers and strings.

Per

In 1999, the "Disklavier Pro" was introduced, the " Pro II ". A key feature of this version is the greater precision during playback. The Pro uses a proprietary extension of MIDI data can be recorded more accurately by timing information. Instead of the MIDI standard of 127 steps Yamaha uses a subdivision of 0-1023 Key after- touch, note-on and note-off. A similar principle is used for the pedal data can be recorded and played back at the half and quarter also pedal through a subdivision into 256 steps. This play is so accurate that it is virtually indistinguishable from that of a live-played piano or grand piano.

Compositions for Disklavier

The Disklavier is what is used mainly as a reproduction piano, but there are also some original compositions, which can be specially created for the Disklavier and live only partially or not at all played:

  • JB Floyd, several pieces for or with Disklavier
  • Conrad Schnitzler, numerous pieces for Disklavier
  • Libero Mureddu, deploration pour la mort de György Ligeti (2006)
  • Olga Neuwirth, Kloing! , For Disklavier, live pianist and Visual Jockey (2008)
  • Carson Cooman (born 1982), Revolutionary Earthworks: Music for Mechanical Piano for Disklavier (2009)
  • Kyle Gann, Nude Rolling Down to Escalator: Studies for Disklavier
  • Gordon Green, Serpentine Sky

Grand or Upright Piano

Released in 2009

Jim Bob Floyd
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