Unique Kontakt Instrument Features Sarah Nicolls' Re-Shaped Érard Grand Piano
Song Athletics releases Inside-Out Piano, a Kontakt library featuring pianist and composer Sarah Nicolls' innovative re-shaped Érard grand piano. The instrument features an upright soundboard configuration that exposes the strings for direct performance and manipulation.
Innovative Instrument Design
The Inside-Out Piano represents Sarah Nicolls' invention of transforming a traditional grand piano by turning the soundboard upright, creating access to the strings for extended performance techniques. Nicolls uses various objects including rubber and glass balls, skewers, magnets, bolts, straws, and fingers to create diverse sonic textures from the exposed strings.
The library was recorded in detail at Nicolls' home studio in the British countryside, capturing the full range of sounds possible with this unique configuration.
Comprehensive Sample Collection
Inside-Out Piano includes one traditional piano instrument alongside five specialized keyboards for string manipulation samples, totaling approximately 16.92 GB of content. The library features five microphone positions: Ribbon, Room, Close, Wide, and Rear for varied sonic perspectives.
The five keyboards are designed to encourage natural experimentation, allowing users to blend diverse sounds ranging from percussive elements to long, expansive tones. Each note provides distinct sonic characteristics for creative exploration.
Advanced Features and Compatibility
The library includes effects processing with delay, tape, and reverb options, plus aftertouch control capabilities. A randomization button provides varied combinations of microphone positions, effects, and keyboard levels for spontaneous sound creation.
Inside-Out Piano requires Kontakt Player (free) or Kontakt version 8.6.1 or higher and includes NKS compatibility for seamless integration with Native Instruments hardware and software.
Artist Background
Sarah Nicolls built her first Inside-Out Piano in 2008, later collaborating with Pierre Malbos in 2014 to create the current sculptural instrument standing 2.5 meters tall. Her work has been featured in BBC broadcasts, climate change projects, and collaborations with artists including Mira Calix and David Sheppard.
More information about Inside-Out Piano is available on the Song Athletics website.
