5 classical musical instruments revisited by new technologies
Classical music has a bright future ahead of it! Electric violin, augmented piano or electronic flute: these instruments of traditional origin have continued to evolve in recent years. Digital technologies are opening up new sonic and creative dimensions for classical instruments. Materials, sensors, connectivity: musicians are seizing on innovative instruments to enrich their artistic techniques and distribute their compositions more easily.
Newzik takes a look at the transformations of a selection of traditional instruments brought up to date. Innovations, impacts on sound and benefits: zoom in on how these new instruments are changing musicians' practices.
Spotlight on modern technologies that have transformed traditional musical instruments
Electrification and digitization replace acoustic or analog instruments
In recent decades, technological advances have reinvented the manufacture of classical musical instruments.
The electrification of violins, the digitization of pianos and computer-assisted music have opened the way to new sounds and compositional possibilities. Sensors are integrated into the instruments to analyze the musician's gestures and translate every nuance into usable data.
Numerous applications and interactive software now accompany musicians in composing, recording or performing on stage. All these innovations have gradually transformed the use of traditional instruments.
3D printing improves instrument design
The use of innovative materials has also revolutionized instrument acoustics. Their main assets? Lightness and durability that surpass traditional wood.
3D printing, for example, makes it possible to create instrument models that are lighter and easier for musicians to handle. This technology enables the musician to create a tailor-made instrument, offering a unique experience. Carbon fiber violins are particularly appealing for their original sound, incomparable with the classical sound of a traditional violin.
New connected technologies accompany musicians
A connected device is, as the name suggests, an object that connects to another device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to simplify or enhance its use.
Some connected violins are also capable of capturing bow movements. The aim? Transform a musician's movements into visual or audio data. This information is then relayed to an application, facilitating learning of the instrument and enriching the violinist's musical experience. The fully programmed Yamaha Disklavier piano can automatically play back a recorded piece, with all the nuances of a real pianist.
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If you're a musician, you'll know that getting to grips with sheet music is vital to guaranteeing a quality sound performance. Connected to a digitized score application, page-turning pedals are accessories specially designed to make your life easier by automatically changing pages.
5 examples of traditional musical instruments transformed by new technologies
1. The violin
The ultimate symbol of classical orchestras , the violin has adapted to modern times. Born in 1920, the electric violin had already made it possible to add sound effects to the instrument or increase its volume. But it was the 3D-printed violin(the famous 3Dvarius), which appeared in 2015, that literally turned codes on their head. Lightweight and precise, this violin model retains the aesthetics of classical lutherie.
More modular and accessible, the 3Dvarius opens up new repertoires for musicians. The 3D electric violin is equipped with sensors and a digital connection that enables the musician to adapt his gestures and the sound of his instrument. A real change in learning, but also in day-to-day playing for the violinist.
2. The piano
Of all the instruments that have been revisited, the piano is probably the one that has undergone the greatest diversity of evolution since the appearance of electronic arrangers in the 1970s. Alongside the acoustic piano, we can now play on hybrid pianos, digital pianos or MIDI controller keyboards. Today, you can play on pianos with digital screens and recording capabilities.
Some brands offer models capable of faithfully reproducing the touch and resonance of a traditional piano while incorporating modern features:
integrated recording,
MIDI connection with tablets or computers,
application-driven learning.
These innovations make it easier for musicians to practice and improvise at home. Want to compose at the piano while on the move? It's also possible if your piano is mobile, or if you take your scores with you on a trip!
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3. The flute
The flute, an ancestral traditional instrument used in Mozart's greatest masterpieces, is also undergoing its own digital revolution.
Today's recorders and improved transverse flutes feature breath, pressure and motion sensors. Some 2.0 recorders reproduce traditional flute playing, while offering an expanded sound palette (from classical timbre to totally electronic sounds). For students, it's an interactive learning tool, and for experienced musicians, a new field of experimentation.
For example, the Bluetooth-connected "Re.corder" electronic recorder is capable of playing not only the flute, but also a whole host of other instruments such as the oboe or violin, by being connected to the instrument's application. If you link the Re.corder to a MIDI modulator, this flute of the future transforms the sound by adding the effects of your choice.
Technology goes beyond the realm of music, designing instruments to help patients with respiratory diseases. The Un Air de Flûte connected flute has been designed to make respiratory rehabilitation more fun. Patients connect to an app and are accompanied to play music while controlling their breathing.
4. The harp
The first harps date back to medieval times. Since then, the instrument has undergone numerous evolutions...
The pedal harp (classical harp) is used in symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles. Following various experiments with electro-acoustic harps, the electric harp, also known as the solid body, was marketed under the nameelectroharp in 1984. This is a lever harp the size of a Celtic harp, with piezoelectric sensors placed at the base of each string.
In the 1990s, Camac produced an electric harp called Baby Blue, made of lightweight carbon fiber, complete with harness and up to 36 strings. The advantage? The harpist can move around with his instrument on stage. Electric harps can also be connected to mixing consoles to adjust the volume and tessitura of the instrument's sounds.
5. The clarinet
A wind instrument just as common in classical orchestras as in the jazz compositions of artists such as Benny Goodman, the clarinet is a key element in traditional music.
This emblematic instrument, which first appeared in the 17th century, has recently been revisited using advanced technologies. It may not officially be called a clarinet, but the Sylphyo sure looks like one. Created in the 2010s, this MIDI-controlled wind instrument with wireless connection can play all kinds of sounds or synthesizers. The idea? Experiment with the possibilities of electronic instruments, while retaining the vibrations and sensations of traditional acoustic instruments.
If you play saxophone, recorder, clarinet or trumpet, you'll feel right at home with the Sylphyo. The connected instrument has been designed to help beginners with their wind instruments.
Do technologies have an impact on the sound of traditional instruments?
The emergence of new sounds
Beyond the object, the transformation of materials and the handling of instruments, new technologies have a direct impact on the sound of classical instruments.
Whether electric or electronically modulated, the revisited traditional instruments are enriched or transformed in sound.
While electric and digital instruments offer a new palette of tessituras and enrich artists' imaginations, some purist musicians fear that these effects and modulations may compromise the authenticity of traditional instruments.
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The role of artificial intelligence
In addition to instruments, new technologies are also being deployed throughartificial intelligence software.
Often integrated into digital applications, AI can be used not only toanalyze musical performances, but also to create personalized recommendations or compose original pieces of music.
Musicians particularly appreciate these technologies, because they save them an incredible amount of time. Learning, transforming, sharing scores: AI facilitates musical creation and practice.
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Connected digital music offers many advantages for musicians
Technology does not replace the authenticity of musical emotion, but rather enriches it. It is perfectly possible to play a traditional instrument while benefiting from technological innovations.
These connected instruments accompany the evolution of musical practices and meet the needs of a generation of musicians in search of flexibility and creativity. For musicians, the digital technologies that accompany traditional instruments have several advantages:
Time-saving: the instrument tunes more easily or even automatically, records instantly during a rehearsal or allows you to work with headphones in any location.
Ease of use: lightweight instruments in plastic or innovative materials are easy to transport. Quick adjustments and connection to other mobile devices also simplify practice and playing, whatever the circumstances.
Sharing knowledge: playing with the help of an application also facilitates learning, thanks to access to interactive tutorials or even artificial intelligence that analyzes the musician's playing.
More possibilities: the use of an innovative instrument is an asset for enriching your playing through mixing, improvisation, the deployment of sound effects or the fusion of acoustic and electronic instruments.
🎵 Take advantage of technology to enrich your compositions and scores!
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