Duos for One Pianist is an improvised dialogue between a pianist performing on a MIDI-enabled Steinway and an AI environment, with responses rendered on a Steinway Spirio player piano. The system integrates multiple listening and playing algorithms that engage in real-time interaction with the performer.
A library of gestural and harmonic material—developed through rehearsals and improvisations—served as the foundation for the AI agents. During performance, the AI continues to adapt dynamically, analyzing the pianist’s gestures and responding via the player piano. This generates a complex feedback loop in which the AI agents and live input continuously shape the unfolding musical exchange.
The piece premiered in April 2024. That first version led to the development of a higher-order gesture analyzer, enabling more nuanced control over the AI agents and the emergence of distinct musical characters and phrasing.
In addition to being trained on my improvisational style, the agents also studied several of my composed piano works—placing me in an ongoing dialogue with my own evolving aesthetic.