Imagine this: a piano that plays itself, bringing the magic of a live concert directly into your living room. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? But it's very real, and it involves a pop icon from the 1980s and a piano that costs a cool £450,000. Let's dive in!
This isn't a new concept. The idea of a self-playing piano has been around for ages. Think of those old-timey player pianos with their punched paper rolls, like the ones you might have seen in vintage movies. These rolls held the musical instructions, allowing the piano to play without anyone at the keys. Even the legendary Claude Debussy used this technology to record his compositions. It's a fascinating glimpse into the minds of composers from the past, isn't it?
Fast forward to today, and things have gotten a major upgrade. MIDI keyboards revolutionized how instruments communicate electronically. But the real game-changer is the Steinway & Sons Spirio R piano. This isn't just any piano; it's a masterpiece that combines the classic Steinway sound and feel with cutting-edge technology. These pianos can record your performances – every note, every nuance, every subtle change in touch – preserving them for posterity.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Spirio R doesn't just record; it can also stream your performances to listeners around the globe, provided they also own a Spirio R.
This technology was put to the test one special evening in October when 80s pop star Howard Jones performed a live, 45-minute set from Steinway & Sons' European headquarters in Hamburg. The concert, known as a Spiriocast, was beamed in real time to 24 Spirio R pianos in Steinway stores worldwide, including locations like London, New York, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Each audience experienced the performance as if Jones were in the room, with the keys and pedals moving as if by magic. And the best part? Spirio R owners could enjoy the show from the comfort of their own homes. The pianos can even broadcast video, making the experience truly immersive.
In London, the Steinway showroom on Marylebone Lane showcased a Noé Limited Edition Model B grand piano, customized as a Spirio R. This was the instrument that relayed the Hamburg performance with every detail intact. The audience included Jones's wife and son, adding to the special atmosphere.
Howard Jones has a long history with Steinway, having trained as a classical pianist and owning a Model D grand piano since 1989. His upgrade to the Spirio R allowed him to record his compositions in ways that, according to his record label, would be physically impossible to play live without multiple sets of hands. That day, Jones was inducted as a Steinway Artist, a prestigious honor reserved for talented Steinway-owning musicians across all genres.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite his success in the 80s, Jones has continued to evolve, collaborating with various musicians and touring the world. His music, known for its catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, has stood the test of time.
Revisiting his songs as instrumental piano arrangements was a joy. The set included stunning renditions of hits like "New Song," "What is Love?," and "Hide and Seek." Jones even quipped that he could get away with playing "less notes" on a Steinway because the pianos simply sing in a way that others do not. The performance felt intimate, even though the artist was miles away.
So, are you ready to bring a virtual Howard Jones (or any of your favorite pianists) into your home? The Model B and Model D Spirio R grand pianos are available for £200,435 and £267,250, respectively. The Noé Limited Edition, as seen in London, comes in ivory white, deep burgundy red, or midnight blue, for a cool £450,000. With your purchase, you'll gain access to the Spirio Library, a vast collection of artist-approved audio and video recordings. You might not get a personal concert, but a Steinway & Sons Spirio R could be the next best thing.
What do you think? Would you invest in a self-playing piano? Do you think this technology enhances or detracts from the experience of live music? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
