In a dazzling fusion of art and sound, New York City hosted a groundbreaking musical event that transcended traditional conventions. “11,000 Strings” invited audiences to immerse themselves in a unique auditory landscape created by 50 pianos, each tuned slightly differently, resulting in a mesmerizing sonic experience.

Recently, a select group of music lovers gathered at the historic Park Avenue Armory, surrounded by an astonishing 50 pianos. These instruments weren’t just any ordinary pianos; they played a piece named “11,000 Strings,” which captured the hearts and ears of everyone present.

Each piano was tuned to a microtonal pitch, differing by mere fractions—so slight that the human ear could barely detect them. This meant that while all pianos harmonized in a strange dissonance, not a single note matched. The result? An enchanting sound experience likened to being enveloped in a “sonic forest,” a term beautifully captured by New York Magazine.

The innovative journey of “11,000 Strings” began with composer Georg Friedrich Haas, whose creative spirit was ignited during a conversation with his friend, Peter Kainrath. After a visit to a piano factory in China, Kainrath recounted the extraordinary sound of 100 pianos being played simultaneously—an experience Haas could hardly resist transforming into music.

Eager to bring this musical vision to life, Haas suggested that Kainrath procure 50 pianos for a collaborative project. During the solitude of the COVID lockdown in Morocco, Haas dove into the world of microtones. Most Western music revolves around 12 notes, but Haas explored the intricate world of microtonal pitches, which exist between those standard notes. Each of the 50 pianos in this performance was ultimately tuned in such a way that they formed a magical, otherworldly tapestry of sound.

“The essence of the performance lies in the emotional connection it fosters,” Haas said. “It’s about discovering beauty even in the dissonance.” Debuting in Bolzano, Italy, in 2023, the piece has since traveled to various venues, but the Armory was the perfect setting for its U.S. introduction.

Within the vast 55,000 square foot Drill Hall, the audience was invited to be part of the experience. Surrounded by pianos with their backs turned to them, concertgoers were enveloped in a cocoon of sound, witnessing the performers harness the chaotic yet stunning beauty of these instruments.

In this concert, no conductor reigned over the ensemble; rather, 25 talented musicians from Klangforum Wien played alongside the pianos, blending with the fluctuating symphony of sound. The result was a rebellious yet harmonious orchestra, where each note invited listeners to surrender to the unexpected forces of music.

“Gathering so many brilliant pianists along with Klangforum Wien for this concert installation is a rare feat,” Haas remarked. “Bringing ‘11,000 Strings’ into the Drill Hall allows us to tap into the full power of our collective creativity.”

Curious to experience this unique performance? Check it out below!

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