Sound of 84 Pianos
84 pianos was presented as part of the Queensland Conservatorium contribution to World Science Festival in a sub-festival called 100 Ways to Listen, in Brisbane. The work was devised by Tomlinson to explore changing acoustics through the in-situ sounding of every piano (84) in the conservatorium building. The composition was by Erik Griswold.
History
ERA Category
- Performance of Creative Work - Music
Funding type
- Other
Eligible major research output?
- Yes
Research Statement
84 Pianos is a new 30 minute composition by Erik Griswold for all 84 pianos in the Queensland Conservatorium. Based on an idea devised by Vanessa Tomlinson, this work formed a central part of the World Science Festival Brisbane. The composition intentionally worked with the acoustics of place, highlighting the architecture, internal acoustical and sound phenomena. Performers included QCGU staff Natasha Vlassenko, Oleg Stepanov, Stephen Emmerson, Steven Newcomb, Louise Denson, Shelli Huscombe, Graeme Jennings, alongside HDR students, and many undergraduate performers. Research Contribution Can you imagine the sound of 84 pianos, performing simultaneously? This work consisted of crashing tone clusters, droning arpeggios, fragments of familiar romantic tunes, filling hallways, practice rooms, nooks and crannies of Queensland Conservatorium in a never-before attempted mass piano performance. The work used all the pianos at the Queensland Conservatorium in-situ, and literally sounded the building, providing audiences with a chance to explore and compare acoustic spaces. A choose-your-own adventure entry into a piece of new music, composed specially for this event by Erik Griswold. This performance has been devised and directed by Assoc. Prof. Vanessa Tomlinson. Research Significance This work was presented as part of the Queensland Conservatorium’s contribution to World Science Festival in a sub-festival called 100 Ways to Listen. The work was featured through television, radio and newspaper previews and reviews, receiving critical acclaim through The Australian and Limelight Magazine. It has also been made into a video which is being disseminated to attract future performances. In addition it was part of the AMC/APRA Art Music Award for 100 Ways to Listen – Excellence in Experimental Music 2017, and was later turned into an online pandemic event.Place of publication
Queensland Conservatorium Griffith UniversityConfidential / Culturally sensitive
- No
Language
EnglishNumber of discrete components
1Duration of performance
30 mintesPerformance size
- Group
Number of work performers
72Authors of work performed
30 minute composition by Erik GriswoldDid the work go on tour?
- No