Robert Majkut’s Whaletone Piano @ Milan Design Week 2011

Robert Majkut’s Whaletone Piano @ Milan Design Week 2011

Whaletone is an amazing digital stage piano designed by the Polish designer Robert Majkut.

The Whaletone combines high-end musical components with the exquisite beauty of form – spectacular yet elegant, monumental, yet dynamic. It is an interpretation of the shape of a classic grand piano in the language of modern design. Inspired by the majestic beauty of marine mammals, it is a unique fusion of greatness and subtlety.

Whaletone is a professional musical instrument for individualists. Its beautiful two-colour, black and white case of the classic model, resembles a whale which breaks the waves, visibly arching its body. Fully bespoke elements, like the colour of the case or upholstered ‘soul’ of the piano are in the standard offer. Its true uniqueness is reflected in many variables

robert majkut on premiere opening night

Krzysztof Dysa concerts – Daily 10  to 12 am. and  7 pm. to 9 pm

NHOW Hotel,

via Tortona 35

robert majkut

Robert Majkut  –  “I had a Dream” ……………..

It seemed to me a little imprecise, fuzzy. Shapes were looming, fading away, then replacing one another. Maybe it was the whales I saw during the day, maybe the smooth motion of waves, or maybe just many things have overlapped and blended into one animated sequence of pictures. What I saw was a grand piano – yet totally different from all I have seen before. As though it was challenging the classic notion of a piano. Soft, flowing, frozen movement of a gigantic animal.

Although I was moved by the dream, I did not appreciate its meaning at first. I realized how little had changed in this instrument over so many years. Intrigued with this discovery, I began to chase the dim picture trapped in my memory. At first, my mind lead me astray, struggling with habits, experience, intuition and beliefs. It took me a long time to sketch the form, which came across as something vaguely imitating the vision concealed in my mind. And then, one day, while working on this concept already a bit obsessively, my mind unlocked and my hand drew the piano from my dream. I immediately recognized it. I instantly knew I got it.

Monumental – like a whale emerging from the water, slow – like the movement of a giant. Charming, majestic, delicate and melodious, like romantic calls of coquetting whales…

I knew it called for being made.

From that moment on, I have known that in the depths of our minds there are ready-made, complete, good ideas. Concepts, forms, choices that are beyond our comprehension until we release them. This is one of them – Whaletone – my version of a singing whale.

About Robert Majkut

Robert Majkut is one of the leading European designers. His pioneering ideas and consistency in his approach to design have brought him well-deserved popularity and recognition as a creator of unique spaces and objects. A natural born rebel, with a deep interest in culture, Robert is constantly toying with new, break-through concepts. His style combines formal design with innovation and the latest technologies. Because of his education, experience and interests, Majkut always puts his projects in a proper cultural and social context.

As a designer Robert is inspired by the surrounding reality. He has a strong connection with nature, which reflects in his work through applied forms, shapes and ergonomics. Humanoid, round, nature-inspired lines are recognizable motifs in his works. For a long time he has been faithful to the message: ‘the future is tomorrow invented today’. His desire to improve the environment we live in has resulted in many, already iconic designs.

Robert Majkut Design studio has completed over 200 projects in 15 years since it was launched. These include cinema interiors, fashion boutiques, concept stores and financial institutions – always setting new standards in design. Entering a space created by Robert Majkut is like entering a new reality where nothing seems impossible. Robert Majkut is also dedicated to industrial design – his projects comprise a varied, exclusive collection of furniture and applied art objects. Majkut’s work has been commissioned in Poland, Austria, China, Russia and Slovenia.

Robert Majkut has received many accolades – most notably, in 2002 he was honoured with the ‘Rising Star’ award by the British Council and in 2007 nominated for Elle Poland Style Awards in the category ‘good design’.

Thanks to a creative mind, strong work ethos, mature approach to design, and already legendary quality requirements, Robert Majkut has become one of the most highly valued designers in the industry worldwide.

 

About Whaletone 

Whaletone is a unique combination of an original design and advanced technology. Two-colour, black and white case of the classic model, resembling a whale which breaks the waves, visibly arching its body. Elegant, with its soft lines and monumental form, yet dynamic through its shape. Lines seem to be caught up in a movement, like a significant gesture cutting through the air. The silver shine of its metallic edges defines the structure with three contour lines. Electrically controlled lid hovers majestically after pushing the button. The shining lacquer highlights the surfaces, emphasizing their softness and dynamism. The velvet interior hides the sound of great precision and perceptible timbres.

The heart of the instrument is one of the greatest stage pianos, with a SuperNATURAL Piano technology, ensuring the highest quality of the classic grand piano sound, enriched with the elements crucial for professional musicians. It is equipped with a comfortable keyboard, perfectly transmitting the dynamism of sounds, and an Ivory Feel surface, closely imitating the real ivory and ebony black keys. The sound is strengthened with four-channel amplifier and is emitted from the loudspeakers, creating a precise, dynamic sound scene.

The beautiful, modern shape is not the only virtue of Whaletone. This fully professional stage instrument is able to respond to many music challenges. That is why it is perfect for connoisseurs who look for objects combining many aspects in one exquisite frame.

Capable of intimate acts, it will penetrate a small space with sound. But when plugged in the discreetly placed sockets, it can saturate the greatest stadium with music. This phenomenal object, owing to the philosophy of creation and technological possibilities, is able to adjust to its owner not only visually but also musically. It offers a wide spectrum of possibilities, going beyond imagination. Whaletone exceeds all similar musical instruments. Compromise is an unknown word in the world of Whaletone

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