Instruments
Magnetic Resonator Piano
The magnetic resonator piano (MRP) uses electromagnets to transform the sound of the acoustic piano, creating infinite sustain, crescendos, pitch bends, harmonics and new timbres. All sound is produced acoustically by the piano strings and soundboard without speakers or amplification. The MRP system can be installed in any grand piano, with one electromagnet for each note of the instrument. An optical scanner bar sits at the back of the keyboard, measuring the continuous angle of each key rather than just note on/off like a conventional MIDI keyboard. The MRP responds to subtle and nuanced playing techniques that go beyond the usual vocabulary of the piano, while still being readily learnable for pianists and composers.
Since 2009, MRP has attracted a substantial repertoire of several dozen compositions, albums and film scores, with hundreds of performances. The instrument is available to demo in London and to hire for projects. New MRP units can be built on commission: please contact us for details.
The design of the MRP is based on three core elements: electromagnetic string actuation, continuous key position sensing, and software which maps key motion to electromagnet signals.
The MRP was first completed in 2009 alongside two pieces by Andrew McPherson, Secrets of Antikythera and d’Amore. Since 2011, the instrument has been used by dozens of other artists, evolving in design in response to their discoveries. Recent projects featuring the MRP include an album by Xenia Pestova Bennett, two film scores by Jon Brion (Beating Hearts, Christopher Robin), a score by Atli Örvarsson for the Apple TV series Silo, and several performances and installations by Arca.
If you are interested in using the MRP on a project or commissioning an instrument, please email Andrew McPherson for details.
