THE SPHERICAL PIANO.

The Spherical Piano project explores the relationship between music and spatial imagination through immersive auditory experiences that challenge the static nature of the piano. This ambitious initiative began in 2020 as a collaboration between Musikeon, El Spot Studios, audio engineer Ronald Ayala, and Luca Chiantore as pianist and composer. Together, we have challenged the boundaries of conventional recording offering a radically new approach to classical music by delving into the potential of creative layering and binaural editing.

This joint venture fosters innovative processes of transdisciplinary interaction between composition, performance, and music production through the concept of de-composition, which reshapes both piano playing and music listening. The Spherical Piano features original binaural compositions alongside 18th and 19th-century scores, all transformed into three-dimensional soundscapes.

In December 2024, the dual release of a 76-minute solo album in both 360º binaural and panoramic stereo versions offers two unique and complementary auditory perspectives that transcend standard listening formats. To complement these recordings, a forthcoming 70-page essay, two academic articles, and several presentations in international forums and conferences will explore the intricate relationship between these processes and the broader context of Artistic Research, providing insight into the evolving practices of contemporary music performance and production.

More than just a collection of recordings, The Spherical Piano represents an open, collaborative initiative. By making the project’s documentation available through the Research Catalogue and GitHub platforms, we aim to encourage engagement with the material, promoting remixing and reimagining traditional classical frameworks. The project exemplifies the ever-evolving nature of musical experience and the potential of new recording technologies to challenge and expand contemporary performance practices.