TENORI-ON / Toshio Iwai x YAMAHA (Japan)
My final recommendation. The last work of ARS was Toshio Iwai's TENORI-ON performance. TENORI-ON is the next-generation instrument Iwai is collaborating with Yamaha to develop, and can be played by anyone, regardless of whether they're a novice or a pro.
The first thing to catch your eye is the 16x16 matrix of LED switches. If you push the switches or slide your finger over them, they emit these beautiful sounds and lights. And another Iwai-like feature is that there aren't only LEDs on the control pad, but on the back of the instrument, as well. The TENORI-ON isn't just enjoyed by the performer, but entertains the people watching it, too. And what's more, even if you don't have the techniques you'd need for other instruments, you can create the most unexpected LED miracles with it. I found it to be a truly happy musical interface.
It has a weight to it when you hold it, and feels well-made. When I held it in both hands, my spine naturally snapped into an upright posture, which made me imagine what I must look like holding it and think, "Hey, I might be looking pretty cool right now."
| You can make music with it even if you don't know how to use it, but I think that you'd need more time with the TENORI-ON to make music the way you want it to sound. |  |
| Oh, and the sound! It sounds great, probably because the sounds blend together somehow to sound like a melody. The sound itself is really good. Each tone has a certain strength to it. The TENORI-ON is scheduled to go on sale next spring. I'm looking forward to seeing how it catches on with the masses. Also, Mr. Iwai performed at Sonar, too, but I'll report on how that went next time. Until then! |
| TENORI-ON's Site http://www.yamaha.co.jp/design/tenori-on/ Mr. Iwai has started writing a TENORI-ON blog! http://tenorion.exblog.jp/ |
Enjoy this artwork.
