bitKlavier 3.3

"The études, some fast and virtuosic, others spare and introspective, unfolded to beautiful and haunting effect in a haze of pitch-bending, echoes, distorted rhythms and eerie timbres." - The New York Times

The Nostalgic Synchronic Etudes, crafted with bitKlavier software, garnered the praise of The New York Times for its captivating musical essence.

BitKlavier, known for powering the innovative concept of the "prepared digital piano," has been embraced by various composers worldwide for its contribution to creating original music and has been showcased in performances across the globe.

Resonating with the principles of the prepared piano, the "prepared digital piano" retains the tactile familiarity of a traditional piano while introducing a realm of unpredictability. Unlike physical alterations like bolts and screws in the piano strings, virtual machinery adorns the digital strings, metamorphosing the instrument into one that interplays dynamically – at times reminiscent of a metronome, and at others echoing a retrograde recording. Notably, the virtual strings adjust their tension on-the-fly, dynamically tuning in response to the player's nuances.

Embark on your musical exploration by delving into the diverse galleries within bitKlavier. These galleries include segments from renowned works like Dan Trueman's Nostalgic Synchronic Etudes and Mikroetudes by various composers. They serve as platforms for experimenting with a myriad of digital preparations. Engage with the on-screen keyboards or integrate a USB-MIDI keyboard for an extensive playing experience.

Key features encompass a variety of digital preparations:

1. Synchronic: Offers an array of "metronomes" responsive to your performance.
2. Nostalgic: Presents a reverse piano technique synchronized with synchronic preparations or dictated by note durations.
3. Tuning: Provides diverse tuning systems, some adjusting as you play.
4. Direct: Allows for modifications to the piano's direct sound through different approaches.
5. Blendrónic: Introduces beat programmed delays that process other preparations seamlessly.

These preparatory elements can dynamically alter through Modifications linked to Preparations and activated by Keymaps. Alternatively, Pianos are available to entirely transform the instrument at your fingertips.

Developed by Dan Trueman and Mike Mulshine at Princeton University, with substantial backing from Princeton's Music Department, Center for the Digital Humanities, Council on Science and Technology, and the American Council of Learned Societies.