"EXPON" - COMPUTER PIANO CYCLE                                DEREK WONG

(15 minutes)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT "Expon-SMF":
Use any sequencer that can read Standard MIDI File to play this. On your MIDI sound module select a piano sound on MIDI channel#1.

ABOUT "Expon-QuickTime":
This QuickTime Movie File requires a QuickTime movie player, eg. Simple Player, QuickTime 2.0 Extension and QuickTime Musical Instruments Extension (no external MIDI device needed). Lower configurations may also work. The file has no visual data, only midi data. It is designed to be played using Macintosh's internal sound capability. No high fidelity is claimed ... just some Lo Fi fun! (When OMS is incorparated into QuickTime, this file can be routed to other MIDI devices via OMS.) 

ABOUT THE COMPOSITION:
"Expon" - Computer Piano Cycle is a live interactive piece that consists of eight short sections. During performance the actions of the pianist on a keyboard controller are being monitored by the computer via MIDI. The signals are then processed by interactive computer softwares and sent out to an acoustic piano - the Yamaha Disklavier. The sound produced by the piano will then be heard by the audience.

ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT:
Yamaha Disklavier MIDI Grand Piano, Apple Macintosh IIsi Computer, Steinberg Cubase (Real Time Midi Processor, Real Time Input Transform), Roland A-80 Master Controller, E-mu Systems Proteus MPS Plus, Opcode Systems MIDI Translator II

ABOUT THE COMPOSER:
I was born in Hong Kong and now live in Vancouver, Canada. I recieved my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from University of Melbourne, Australia. Although I have a great interest in computer music, I am not associated with any academic institution. Please feel free to contact me at <derekw@direct.ca>.

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Performers: One pianist and one computer technician.
MIDI Piano: A midi piano that is capable of replaying midi messages and has at least 16-note polyphony.
Computer and Software: Steinberg Cubase running on any platform. The sequencer file can be obtained directly from composer at <derekw@direct.ca>.
Keyboard Controller: Any 88-key controller, but perferably one capable of modifying velocity curve. Sustain pedal and (optional) soft pedal.
Synthesizer: Any tone module with at least 16-note polyphony piano sound.
2 pairs of headphones and cables.
(The equipment used by the composer are listed above.)

The stage setup has 3 parts: pianist, computer technician and midi piano.
The pianist will play a score (can be obtained directly from composer at <derekw@direct.ca>) on a keyboard controller with sustain and soft pedal. The midi output will go to the second part of the setup where a computer is controlled by a technician. The software on the computer will modify the incoming midi messges and instantaneously "bounce" them out to the midi piano. The sound produced by the MIDI piano will then be heard by the audience.

Most MIDI piano has a time delay between midi recieving and key action. The Yamaha Disklavier has a controlled delay of 500 ms. To ensure proper performance, performers are to wear headphones listening to a synthesizer piano. The MIDI output from the computer will go to a synthesizer as well as the MIDI piano. The pianist and the computer technician will be listening to sound from the synthesizer instead of the MIDI piano. This will ensure instantaneous feedback of playing. (This may sound difficult but works very well in practice.)


Copyright 1995 Derek Wong (Socan, ASCAP)