Yamaha Corporation will be taking part in the upcoming Ars Electronica festival in Linz Austria from September 5 to 9, 2019. With the support of the Glenn Gould Foundation and pianists, Yamaha is pursuing the development of the world’s first AI piano solution capable of analyzing and playing in the style of a human pianist while interacting with human musicians in a music ensemble, achieved by training the AI with a combination of both automatic analysis of Glenn Gould’s recordings and expert musicians’ skills.
During Ars Electronica, the AI will be playing in the style of Glenn Gould in real-time to provide an experience of co-creation between an AI pianist and a human ensemble. Yamaha will demonstrate the AI through a concert performance featuring three pieces in the Basilica of the St. Florian monastery on the afternoon of September 7, together with a flutist and violinist from the Bruckner Orchestra, and renowned pianist Francesco Tristano. Additionally, a session will be held, where industry executives will be discussing the theme “Exploring the future of music through the use of artificial intelligence in music performance.” Yamaha will also be exhibiting at the POSTCITY where they will display the AI piano together with a documentary film of the project itself.
Dear Glenn, – Yamaha AI Project Pianist: Francesco Tristano (LU), Flutist: Norbert Trawöger (AT), Violinist: Maria Elisabeth Köstler (AT/DE), Researcher: Akira Maezawa (JP; Yamaha Corporation), Credit: vog.photo
Dear Glenn, – Yamaha AI Project Pianist: Francesco Tristano (LU), Flutist: Norbert Trawöger (AT), Violinist: Maria Elisabeth Köstler (AT/DE), Researcher: Akira Maezawa (JP; Yamaha Corporation), Credit: vog.photo
Dear Glenn, – Yamaha AI Project Pianist: Francesco Tristano (LU), Flutist: Norbert Trawöger (AT), Violinist: Maria Elisabeth Köstler (AT/DE), Researcher: Akira Maezawa (JP; Yamaha Corporation), Credit: vog.photo
Dear Glenn, – Yamaha AI Project Pianist: Francesco Tristano (LU), Flutist: Norbert Trawöger (AT), Violinist: Maria Elisabeth Köstler (AT/DE), Researcher: Akira Maezawa (JP; Yamaha Corporation), Credit: vog.photo
Dear Glenn, – Yamaha AI Project Pianist: Francesco Tristano (LU), Flutist: Norbert Trawöger (AT), Violinist: Maria Elisabeth Köstler (AT/DE), Researcher: Akira Maezawa (JP; Yamaha Corporation), Credit: vog.photo
Project Credits:
- Yamaha Corporation
- This project is supported by Glenn Gould Foundation, Bruckner Orchestra Linz, Dentsu Inc., IBM Japan
Biographies:
Akira Maezawa (JP): Since joining Yamaha in 2011, Akira has worked on R&D of machine learning-based music audio analysis and real-time music interaction techniques that have been used in musical instruments, apps, music installations and concert events. He has given 40+ talks internationally for invited lectures, concerts, conferences and TV shows, and has received 10+ awards.
Rintaro Kane (JP): Since joining Yamaha in 2011, he has worked on marketing strategy, business development, and branding fields. Recently he led the company’s corporate global branding projects “I’m a HERO Program” which was awarded the D&AD award (2019) and shortlisted in Cannes Lions (2019). He is also responsible for branding projects presented at conferences and trade shows such as SXSW (2018).
Minako Shintake (JP): Since childhood, she has been deeply engaged in music and attended a school attached to a university of music. She joined Yamaha in 2011 and has participated in marketing and product planning fields. Recently she led the corporate branding projects, which were presented at conferences and trade shows such as SXSW (2018) and CES (2019). Through managing various projects, she has received the D&AD award (2019).
Kei Shimada (US/JP) is currently associate partner, founding member and leader of IBM’s newly established the Digital Maker Lab where he is responsible for helping the digital transformation of clients and spearheading the creation of new solutions and business models through the use of new technology. He is also one of the most sought-after keynote speakers and mentors on innovation, having given keynote presentations in 20+ countries.
Naoya Takizawa (US/JP) is currently the managing consultant/experience designer, member of IBMiX where he is responsible for improving the interactive experience of clients.
Toshihiko Tanabe (JP) is a Global Creative Director at Dentsu. His creative works range from global campaigns for Toyota to curating music festivals, designing headphones for Bose and helping Madonna launch her first-ever skincare brand. He is a multiple award winner at Cannes Lions, One Show among others. In 2018 he was awarded the “Japan Creator of the year” title. Member of the Cannes Lions Jury in 2019.
