Piano and live electronics
✉️ If you wish to perform the piece, please contact me
Duration: ≈ 8′
Year: 2024
Premiered by Alex Waite at ESML (Lisbon)
Rust is a piece for piano with subtle electronics, where the author explores the piano as a microtonal/spectral instrument by preparing it with magnets and adhesive. The piano’s explorations are accompanied by a subtle layer of electronics. Sounds created through additive synthesis blend seamlessly with the piano’s natural resonance, creating a sense of sonic unity. There are six voices with different tempo markings and irrational time signatures based on the harmonic series. Each voice is imbued with a distinct rhythmic identity, forming a kind of polyphony, but also a main melody that explores different microtonal intervals and acoustic beatings. Because of this complex rhythmic notation, it would be humanly impossible to perform it as a paper score. Therefore, there is a video score with a fixed playback line while the score is moving, and the pianist has to play the note at the right moment. The piece showcases how rhythmic precision can be achieved through the use of new technological tools.
Luís Neto da Costa 