Walking Piano


The Walking Piano, also called the Big Piano by its creator, Remo Saraceni, is an oversized synthesizer. Merging dance, music, and play, it is played by the user's feet tapping the keys to make music. Versions of the piano have been installed in museums, children's hospitals, and other public places around the world.

History

Remo Saraceni created a musical daisy for the Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia. From there the concept grew. It took shape with an intermediate stop at an interactive futon, and the first "Big Piano" was built in 1982.” The piano was on display at the F.A.O. Schwartz toy store in New York City when famed movie producer/director Steven Spielberg’s sister saw it and told her brother all about it.

Versions

An early, one-octave version of the Walking Piano was installed at FAO Schwarz in New York City in 1982. A new three-octave version was specifically created for the 1988 Tom Hanks movie Big at the request of director Penny Marshall. That piano was housed in the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until about 2013.

Reception

The BIG Piano has had continued to enjoy media success, appearing in movies such as The Night Before starring Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It has also featured in TV Series such as Dancing With The Stars, Puttin' On the Ritz , and The Voice Season Premier Feat John Legend. It was also named as one of the most iconic movie props ever.