Fragments, for prepared piano and computer

Fragments is an improvisational performance piece that utilizes physical treatments inside an acoustic piano, as well as digital treatments provided by computer-based digital signal processing. In addition to using a few simple physical controls (foot pedals and custom iPad interface) this piece also uses the performed audio stream as a gestural control source. The performed audio stream is analyzed and important features are extracted. The current state and trajectory of these audio features are used to influence the behavior of the real-time signal processing environment. This creates a computer-mediated performance system that combines the capabilities of computation with the tactile and expressive intimacy of the prepared acoustic piano.  I also include pre-prepared / processed sounds that can be triggered manually or automatically by my software during the live performance. The pre-recorded materials included processed prepared piano sounds performed by me, as well as short phrases from John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes (transformed with digital processing). These additional elements give me even more sonic materials to draw from and respond to, making this an especially engaging improvisational system. Fragments invites the listener into a unique and complex sonic environment where expectation, repetition, spontaneity, and discovery are intertwined.

fragments - video excerpt

fragments - complete audio recording

<a performance from the 2012 NIME conference>