Demo CD II
Following the release of the first demonstration CD from Stuart & Sons, further material has been recorded on the new 102 key grand piano using the recently developed Earthworks PianoMic system. These new piano models present, for the first time, the widest frequency range possible to build in an acoustic piano. The keyboard ranges from sub contra C 16 Hertz to f 5587.6517 Hertz.
The music chosen was selected to focus attention on the sound rather than, as with familiar repertoire, the performance styleThis demonstration disc was recorded in the factory sound room using a pair of Earthworks PianoMics. The microphone capability to deliver a broad spectrum response captured the natural sound of the pianos without having to artificially manipulate the recorded signal.
Special thanks to Kevin Hunt and Bill Risby for their much appreciated contribution to the production of this disc, also to Phil Sawyers, audio chief, for his unstinting enthusiasm and irrepressible energy.
The music chosen was selected to focus attention on the sound rather than, as with familiar repertoire, the performance styleThis demonstration disc was recorded in the factory sound room using a pair of Earthworks PianoMics. The microphone capability to deliver a broad spectrum response captured the natural sound of the pianos without having to artificially manipulate the recorded signal.
Special thanks to Kevin Hunt and Bill Risby for their much appreciated contribution to the production of this disc, also to Phil Sawyers, audio chief, for his unstinting enthusiasm and irrepressible energy.
|
Track 1 Native Sky Risby (2010) 6:24
Bill Risby 2.9m concert grand piano Earthworks (EW) PianoMic System + Earthworks (EW) TC Room Omnis Percussive agitation of the sub contra octave underpins the brilliance of the treble and the minimalist subject. The profound resonance is eerie and deeply moving, plumbing the abyssal depths of the frequency spectrum. Track 2 1685 Risby (2010) 1:42 Bill Risby 2.2m studio grand piano EW PianoMic System + EW TC20 Room Omnis A jaunty salute to the Baroque. The lightening speed of the attack transients and dimensional architecture of this 2.2m metre studio grand piano has the depth and breadth of most concert grands. Track 3 Blå (Blue) Risby (2010) 6:00 Bill Risby 2.9m concert grand piano EW PianoMic System + EW TC20 Room Omnis This piece demonstrates the clear, singing, sustained sound in both the chordal textures and melodic lines. Track 4 No Moon At All Evans/Mann (1957) 5:25 Kevin Hunt 2.9m concert grand piano EW PianoMic System + Neumann (NM) TM103 Room Cardioids The fast repetitive light passages demonstrate the brilliance and speed of attack in the treble. The mid range is heightened by the extraordinary clarity which brings another dimension to the block chordal textures. The zinging is the artist singing! |
Track 5 Grief (for Simone) Risby (2010) 6:13
Bill Risby 2.2m studio grand piano EW PianoMic System + NM TM103 Room Cardioids The magnitude of the tonal and textural palate available in the studio sized piano is revealed through this emotionally charged composition. After hearing this work on a 102 key piano it is hard to accept the restrictions imposed by the standard 88 digit keyboard. Track 6 The Old Becomes New Risby (2010) 4:01 Bill Risby 2.2m studio grand piano EW PianoMic System + NM TM103 Room Cardioids Risby is a master of architectural fabrication in sound. His exploration of nuance and grandeur is breathtaking and again pushes the soundscape of a studio grand piano into new realms. Track 7 Country Jarrett (1977) 5:47 Kevin Hunt 2.9m concert grand piano EW PianoMic System + NM TM103 Room Cardioids The singing quality of the sound, with minimal pedal, is heard to great effect. This melodic work displays the warmth inherent in a clear sound where consciousness can prevail over the muddiness and confusion we associate with standard piano sound. This establishes a new level in what might be referred to as musicality and tonal definition. Track 8 Watch Your Back Risby (2010) 4:59 Bill Risby 2.9m concert grand piano EW PianoMic System + EW TC20 Room Omnis The masterful Risby doing more of his stuff! The result is self evident and awesome! |
Copyright in this recording remains the property of the performer and is reproduced under licence to Piano Australia Pty Ltd for use on this demonstration disc. Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8: Copyright William Risby 2010 (APRA). Track 4: R Evans/D Mann - Copyright Redd Evans Music Company Administered by J Albert & Sons Pty Ltd. Track 7: Keith Jarrett - Copyright AMCOS Societies obo Cavelight Music (AMRA).