Expanded Piano II

Stavros Gasparatos will present his new piece Expanded Piano ΙΙ at the GNO Alternative Stage in the SNFCC, in two unique concerts on 20 and 21 June, at 20.30. It is an artistic work inspired by the mechanical theory of prepared piano, reevaluating and subverting it.

Ten years after the premiere of the piece Expanded Piano at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) in New York, Stavros Gasparatos continues his research on the ever-evolving nature of the piano, with the goal of expanding its performance possibilities and exploring new ways of utilizing it. In the context of this experimental process of sound production and use of composition tools, his work is based on new sensory means that develop earlier techniques invented by pioneering creators, from John Cage to Aphex Twin. He introduces a “hybrid” instrument that gives performers exceptional musical flexibility. More elements have been added to the new piece, such as visual projections of light and images that interact with the sound environment, creating a multi-layered and intricate experience.

Credits:

Concept, research, composition: Stavros Gasparatos
Visual setting, video projections: Manuela Hartel
Piano mechanic, programming: Panos Tsigkos
Graphic design: Sofia Terezaki
Recordings: Studio 1-2-3
Production planning: Konstantinos Sakkas
Production management and executive producer: Delta Pi Productions & Arts Management

The research was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the LabMAT Music Acoustics & Technology Workshop of the Department of Music Studies of the University of Athens.