inside the piano

A performance instruction requiring the pianist to directly manipulate the piano strings, either by plucking, striking, bowing, or muting them by hand — bypassing the keyboard action entirely.

Crumb is among the most demanding composers for inside-piano techniques. Before performing this repertoire, familiarise yourself thoroughly with the specific implements required (metal rod, glass rod, plectrum, thimble) and the exact locations of pitches on the string plane. Amplification (specified in the score) is essential for Makrokosmos — without it, the extended-technique sounds are too quiet to carry.