A Nagra IV-S tape recorder, originally used for film sets in the seventies, was employed for recording pianos in challenging acoustic environments, and its gradual left channel dysfunction was intentionally kept in the final album.
Interpretation
Composer Carlos Cipa adopted an intuitive approach to recording, developing raw musical ideas on the spot and allowing the choice of instruments, locations, and equipment to be guided by intuition.
Recording & Production
The recording process involved a portable setup with a laptop, pre-amps, microphones, and distinctive old tape recorders to capture the unique 'vibes' of various instruments.
Instruments
One of the pianos used, a Blüthner Grand from 1935, is an Aliquot concert grand with an additional fourth string per key that vibrates sympathetically without being struck by hammers.
Instruments
A Pleyel Grand from 1834, identical in construction to the instrument Chopin used, was featured on the album, inspiring the idea to record on it after Carlos Cipa discovered it in 2017.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded on eleven different pianos, including six grand pianos, three upright pianos, a square piano, and a Fender Rhodes, spanning nearly 150 years of design.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Carlos Cipa believes in breaking down borders between classical, popular, and jazz music, drawing inspiration and learning from different genres.
