The Russian composer Rachmaninoff was also an accomplished pianist; but you probably wouldn’t know, as he died in 1943, and recording technology at the time struggled to capture his virtuosity clearly. Before you become despondent at that news, listen to this alternative. The computer software group Zenph Studios has developed a method of analyzing Rachmaninoff’s recordings and replicating the nuances of his playing on a modified Steinway D piano. It’s a little bit like an android Rachmaninoff, although they have neglected to build a robot body for him.
Zenph presents a “reperformance” tonight at 7pm in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, and their marketing bods are offering 100 free tickets (normally $35–$50). R.S.V.P. to tsheehy@breakawaycom.com with RSVP CARNEGIE as a subject header. Winning applicants will be notified by e-mail, and tickets will be collected with a valid ID at will call.
