Body Rhythm Factory has released a new video performance of La Terraza, a composition by Rune Thorsteinsson that explores rhythm, movement, and an unconventional way of using the piano as a percussion instrument.

The performance features three musicians — Sune Skuldbøl Vraa, Peter Stavrum, and Rune Thorsteinsson — performing together around a single piano. Instead of treating the piano as a traditional melodic instrument, the performers transform it into a rhythm section, where the instrument becomes both bass and drums at the same time.

An Alternative Way to Play the Piano

In this performance, the piano is approached from a completely different angle. Rather than sitting at the keyboard and playing chords or melodies, the musicians surround the instrument and interact with it physically.

The piano becomes a large acoustic percussion instrument:

  • The lower strings and frame are used to create bass-like tones

  • The wooden body and internal parts are used as drums

  • Rhythmic patterns are produced by striking, damping, and interacting with different parts of the instrument

With three performers working simultaneously, the piano becomes an entire rhythm ensemble. The musicians divide roles similar to a traditional band setup:

  • one performer emphasizes bass rhythms

  • another creates drum-like grooves

  • the third adds syncopations and textures

The result is a highly visual and energetic performance where the boundaries between piano, percussion, and choreography disappear.

The Story Behind La Terraza

La Terraza was originally composed by Rune Thorsteinsson during a stay in Argentina, where the rhythms and atmosphere of the environment inspired the piece. The composition later became part of the album World Compositions, a project exploring music across cultures and rhythmic traditions.

A deeper story about the composition and the production process can be found here:
https://rune-thorsteinsson.sleeve.fm/…

Video Production

The video highlights the physical and rhythmic nature of the performance while keeping the focus on the musicians and the instrument.

Credits

  • Composer: Rune Thorsteinsson

  • Performers: Sune Skuldbøl Vraa, Peter Stavrum, Rune Thorsteinsson

  • Photographer: Sine Kristiansen

  • Video Edit: Rune Thorsteinsson

Mix & Master at West Music Production

The audio for the video was mixed and mastered by Henrik West at West Music Production.

Capturing a performance like this presents a unique production challenge. When the piano is used as a percussion instrument, the recording must handle deep bass resonance, sharp rhythmic attacks, and subtle acoustic textures at the same time.

At West Music Production, the focus during mixing and mastering was to:

  • preserve the raw rhythmic energy of the performance

  • maintain clarity between the three performers

  • highlight the acoustic depth of the piano as a percussion instrument

The result is a powerful and detailed sound that supports both the visual performance and the physicality of the music.

Supported by Danish Cultural Funds

This production was made possible with support from:

  • Statens Kunstfond

  • Koda Kultur

Their support helps enable innovative artistic projects that explore new ways of creating and performing music.