Machine Musicianship presented by ICST

Since 2018, the Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST) has owned an automatic piano system developed by Winfried Ritsch. The system can be fitted to any conventional piano and differs fundamentally from commercial solutions such as the Disklavier: 88 actuator magnets enable all the keys to be struck simultaneously with varying levels of touch and at high speed. This opens up new sonic and performative possibilities – particularly for algorithmically generated and machine-controlled music.

As part of a research project in 2024, a pedal automaton was also developed in collaboration with the Institute of Product Development and Production Technologies (IPP) at the ZHAW, which allows for precise machine control of the piano pedal. This further expands the system’s expressive range considerably.

The ‘Machine Musicianship’ concert series is dedicated to this expanded set of instruments and explores the artistic, technical and aesthetic potential of machine-based musical practice. The compositions presented explore the multifaceted possibilities of the automatic piano.