Tenori-On means in Japanese is "sound in your palm" and that is what you get with this cutting-edge musical instrument from Yamaha. This unique 16x16 LED matrix MIDI controller can be loaded with samples and is a visually stunning piece of equipment.
Released last month at a number of UK record shops, Yamaha is hoping to capture the imagination of DJs and producers, as well as those inexperienced in making music.
Conceived by leading Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai in 2001 and following five years of intensive development, the Tenori-On has been showcased at major music festivals and media art festivals including Barcelona’s Sonar and Futuresonic in the UK.
Yamaha states: “One remarkable effect of this sound and light synergy is that people seem to quickly understand the relationship between the sounds and switches such that even non musicians can enjoy improvising and even composing almost immediately.”
Tenori-On is being deck-tested by a number of high-profile electronic music artists including Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Matthew Herbert, Mouse On Mars and Cornelius.
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