TWIST/d — by Based Upon
Based Upon’s latest creation could happily occupy a room as a simple piece of art.
It has no obligation to be a functional marvel of technology. It certainly doesn’t owe us such a bounty of musical possibilities. And yet, it delivers on the above to such astounding effect that one wonders what to label it. Sculpture, instrument or machine? Twist/d answers the vague, three-pronged question with a resounding “yes”.
The first thing you notice about Twist/d is its abject, oceanic beauty. The blue and white patina—constructed with propriety Tramazite—evokes drastic coastal landscapes. It is paired with a brass interior interface which rolls up towards the lid with an asymmetric flourish. The lid itself looks as if a giant could skim it across a lake; its pebbly form hangs improbably over the body of the instrument. We also see flashes of aluminium timber washed about the frame with liquid minerals seeping through. The ethereal form of the Twist/d speaks to its immaterial functionality – there are no strings to move the air, but rather speakers that recreate the sound of a grand piano. Each design cue is meticulously researched and implemented by Based Upon—they explored Atlantic sea caverns for both visual and auditory inspiration.
“We set out to create a work that marries sculptural beauty with the feel of a world-class piano, enhanced by experiential, interactive soundscapes captured by Based Upon as we journeyed into landscape.”
Ian Abell, Co-Founder, Based Upon
Far more than an analogue instrument with a pretty face, Twist/d boasts some of the most enchanting music technology out there. Players are able to select an instrument, digitally sculpt it and then recreate an environment in which to play. These range from specific concert halls from bygone eras to more abstract, natural settings. Sound designers conducted comprehensive field experiments to create these settings – popping weather balloons in sea caves around the Isle of Skye and recording the acoustics of every conceivable kind of concert hall.
Attack, tuning and reverb dials are modelled on vintage synthesisers and provide the player with myriad configuration options. The piano also uses the sounds and tonal qualities of computer modelled Steinways and Bechsteins from different time periods. Tiny details like the pedal and hammer action of the sampled instruments have even been replicated.
Based Upon has been making pianos-as-art for over a decade now. The Baby, a deftly imbibed sculptural table with hammers and keys, was hailed the smallest grand piano in the world. With only five made, it has become a highly sought after artefact.
In interiors, they are pioneers of proprietary surface finishes and have been commissioned for bespoke, intricately detailed works, walls, and furniture. The Twist/d feels like a culmination of these exploits, marrying ineffable design with breathtaking technological innovation. And if you find yourself overwhelmed by sheer amount of sonic possibilities, it even plays itself.