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Brunel University School of Arts PhD Theses

Interacting with the piano

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This thesis explores the expansion of the piano performance environment, using technology to augment the sound, the playing area of the piano and its surroundings, and/or the performer's own body in controlling electronic elements of the music. In particular I examine the extension of piano technique and how this is affected by adding technology. I also discuss collaborative compositional processes in creating co-authored musical works and have given a critical appraisal of the different technological systems used in all of these pieces. I have also introduced ideas about developing the structure of the piano to better suit contemporary techniques and the addition of technological elements in piano playing. These ideas are represented by my own "Inside-out Piano", illustrated within the thesis. Throughout this work many new pieces for piano and live electronics have been generated and I hope these may also be useful as a resource for other pianists exploring their own interactions with the piano.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor dc:publisher
Brunel University School of Arts PhD Theses
Year dc:date.issued
2010

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Nicolls, Sarah Louise
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Gilmore, B

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:bura.brunel.ac.uk:2438/5511

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Brunel
Base URL
bura.brunel.ac.uk/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Nicolls, Sarah Louise. Interacting with the piano. Brunel University School of Arts PhD Theses, 2010. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5511