5 March 2024
As part of the event organised by the Centre Européen de Musique at the Villa Viardot on 9 March, a particularly remarkable piano will be highlighted. This piano, whose melodies will resound under the fingers of the prestigious pianists Isabel Dobarro and Shani Diluka, embodies an unrivalled musical heritage: that of the Schiedmayer family in piano making.
A bold collaboration between the Laboratory of Nuclear and High Energy Physics (LPNHE) of CNRS Paris 5, under the direction of Antoine Letessier Selvon, and Laurent Bessières, a distinguished tuner from the Philharmonie de Paris.
The story of this piano begins with a unique quest: to find an instrument suited for a grand experimental project. Selected from among German concert pianos for its robustness and elegance, it undergoes a radical transformation within the laboratory. Every component, from the strings to the hammers, is meticulously adjusted under the direction of Bessières and Letessier Selvon, with the invaluable assistance of piano maker Stephen Paulello.
What makes this project revolutionary is the integration of small magnetic motors into the piano mechanism. These motors, designed to assist the movement of the hammers, offer two major advantages: adjusting the sound power without disturbing the pianist's performance and enriching the sonic palette by altering the mass of the hammers.
Despite the technical challenges encountered, this experiment opens new perspectives on the harmony between science and music. Although the initial results were mixed, this endeavor remains a fertile exploration of the possibilities offered by technology in service to art.
Now restored, this piano embodies the spirit of innovation and exploration that has driven it since its conception. It has already mesmerized concert halls alongside renowned artists and continues to spark interest in prestigious musical programs.
This unique project is a testament to humanity's ability to push the boundaries of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, thus opening new horizons in the worlds of music and science.
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