“SUPER-PIANO” IS INVENTION OF VIENNA ARCHITECT SPIELMANN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6867, 23 March 1929, Page 18 (Supplement)

“SUPER-PIANO” IS INVENTION OF VIENNA ARCHITECT SPIELMANN

The Vienna architect, Emmerich Spielmann, has invented a new musical instrument, which he calls a “superpiano.” It looks like an ordinary piano, but its sounds are produced by light' and electricity. The sound-producing element is a ray of light interrupted rhythmically by vibrations of sound and falling on a sclenic cell. In this cell currents of electric light originate, which are transmitted as sound by way of a loud-speaker. The rays of - light issue from small incandescent lamps, which are formed in groups of seven, corresponding to the octaves. By varying the pressure on the keys, the sounds swell and ebb, and by means of a knee-joint-ed lever any number of keys may be kept sounding without a break. It is possible to produce quartertones and quavers by calculations, and mixtures or colourings of sound which so far no other instrument can produce. Further, it is possiblo to transpose everything mechanically into any key without alterating the mode of playing. One may also capture the sounds of a string or brass band, or the hnman voice on the revolving discs, in a man-

ner similar to that of the tone-film. Anyone may play the “super-piano.” If the player uses headphones the piano produces no external sound, so that, one may play throughout the flight without disturbing one’s neighbours.