Matthew Herbert, commissioned by Third Ear

About the commission

Matthew Herbert will be telling the stories of twenty unique pianos from around the world – from Steinways at famous locations to forgotten out-of-tune family pianos. Matthew will sample each piano, document it in photographs, and record short oral histories. The composition, for solo pianist, will be played on a simple table, turned into a virtual piano through bespoke soft/hardware created by the Radiophonic Workshop.

“Along with the other selected artists, I’m thrilled to be part of this programme. In an increasingly fragile music economy, these kinds of opportunities can really help support and stimulate interesting work that may not have otherwise happened.” Matthew Herbert

“20 Pianos will be utterly unique – a composition, a Proustian evocation of piano memory, part performance art and technological wizardry. We are thrilled to be working with Matthew Herbert on this exciting venture, and proud as well as grateful that the project has been chosen to be part of the first edition of the New Music Biennial.” Third Ear

More about the composer

Matthew Herbert’s works range from numerous acclaimed albums to Ivor Novello-nominated film scores. He has performed thousands of concerts, from Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl. He’s remixed iconic artists including Quincy Jones, Serge Gainsbourg and Ennio Morricone; and worked with musicians from Bjork to Dizzee Rascal.

Other collaborators include chef Heston Blumenthal, playwright Caryl Churchill and writer Will Self. He’s best known for turning found sounds into electronic music, as in ‘One Pig’, following a pig’s life from birth to plate. He is relaunching an online Museum of Sound, and was recently appointed Creative Director of The New Radiophonic Workshop.