Selected Compositions for Piano
By Timothy Polashek
Timothy Polashek
performing "Improvisation" (2002), Oconto Falls, Wisconsin
Elaine Moss
performing "Porcupine Quest" (2002), Oconto Falls, Wisconsin
Download "Porcupine Quest" Score
Stephen
Gosling and Eric Huebner performing "Kite Sonata for Two Pianos"
(2003), Bronx, New York
Download Score: "Kite Sonata: Movement 1"
Download Score: "Kite Sonata: Movement 2"
Download Score: "Kite Sonata: Movement 3"
Year of Composition: 2004
Length: approximately 31 minutes
The Concerto for Pianist and
Disklavier (2004) is a musical discourse between a soloing pianist and a
computer-controlled player piano taking the role of the orchestra. This discourse takes place on a single
instrument, a Disklavier manufactured by Yamaha Corporation. At times the pianist plays in a
traditional manner, but at other times is superseded or joined by the piano
playing itself. A computer
program, written by the composer particularly for this work, drives the piano
mechanisms. This computer program
is aware of the actions of the pianist through transmissions from sensors that
capture the pitch and loudness of played notes and the positioning of the foot
pedals. At times the computer
program simply directs the piano to play fixed material, at other times the
computer interactively generates arpeggio-based motives derived from, and
extending the nuances of, the pianistÕs performance.
The computer-controlled mechanical
piano can play notes and series of notes in a manner that the human performer,
with limits of ten fingers and an armÕs reach, cannot. The musical discourse made possible by
this assembled technology contrasts the dynamic power and rhythmic precision of
the mechanical piano with the creative touch and expression brought by the
human performer. As this interplay
unfolds in performance, one may notice, while listening, the performers
reacting to each other, often exchanging roles as they share musical ideas and
learn each otherÕs musical language.