The Fluid Piano Prototype (2009)
The Fluid Piano Prototype (2009)

Facing Piano History

Summary/Abstract: All ancient, modern, and microtonal pianos have fixed tuning. This article discusses the musical, cultural, and political issues of the principle of fluid tuning applied to the western acoustic piano. The Fluid Piano is seen as the most amazing contemporary innovation. Invention emanating from the Fluid dulcimer, it allows the pianist easily and freely to alter the pitch of each key before and while playing. It offers infinite microtonal pitches. This is new in piano history. Nevertheless, the idea and the construction of the prototype encountered considerable difficulties, which Geoffrey Smith, the instrument’s inventor, faced with tenacity. Since then, the greatest interest has not come from the piano world, but from non-European musicians playing in ethnic temperaments. This “alien” instrument embodies a transcultural identity. It frees the piano from western identity and opens the way to a future without separation between civilizations.

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