Westworld Piano, 30 years on
The Steinway Spiro arrived today, with exquisite recordings of the master’s performances. Meant to be indistinguishable from the original performance, I was wondering what DRM algorithms will make of it. YouTube allowed the post, and Facebook bounced it, asking if I have the rights.
Tech: “A software-controlled solenoid (electro-magnetic) system that’s installed underneath the piano activates the notes. Whereas most player pianos reproduce human performances solely by recording the key strike, Steinway amassed Spirio’s catalog with a far more sophisticated system. Hardware and software embedded into the piano measured the velocity of the hammer hitting the string in 1,020 increments, taking stock of the the hammer’s location and speed 800 times a second. The pedal motion was similarly documented at 200 times per second. This data created a vastly more nuanced picture of what the pianist was doing at any given time, meaning the piano’s built-in songs capture dynamics, repeating notes and the subtleties of the transition, say, from staccato to legato.” — from https://www.wired.com/2015/04/steinways-new-piano-can-play-perfect-concerto/
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