future of the acoustic piano

Michael Jorgensen Michael.Jorgensen@cmich.edu
Thu, 08 Mar 2001 09:32:40 +0000



Delwin D Fandrich wrote:

>
> To an audience with mostly deaf ears, I'm afraid.

You got that right!!,
     Rock music, Jets, Commuter Planes, Trains, Cars, 88% Urban Population, a
whole generation of pianists raised in loud practice rooms-----The generation
is deaf!

       The computer won't ever duplicate the piano.  Is it Conklin from Baldwin
that demonstrated the sand pattern designs formed when a soundboard vibrates at
various frequencies?   A440 makes a certain pattern, C 523 makes another.  Put
the two together and a whole new pattern exists.  Vary the dynamics, and it
changes more.  Play a big arpeggio with the pedal down, and try and predict the
pattern!   The patterns aren't just the sum of notes played together but a
hopelessly unpredictable complex mess. The National Atmospheric and Oceanic
Administration can't computer generate exact wave sizes and patterns which will
exist on the sea for a certain wind,  often they aren't even close.  Forget
trying to duplicate the tonal response of a soundboard.
-Mike Jorgensen




This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC