New Top of the line keyboard.

[jimlaing]

the last video link - looks like Jarre (?) is playing just random things, the movement of what is heard in the music doesn't seem to match which way his hands go (up for higher pitch, etc.) - it's like he's 'drumming' the "keyboard" and a pre-arranged sequence is playing the actual notes?!

[SciNote]

I'm guessing that the keyboard in the video is all theatrics and just a light-show prop.  The video was probably just produced around an already-recorded audio song.  For the recording of the song, I would think that there were live musicians playing the main melodies, chords, and bass lines, with sequencers, arpeggiators, and/or sample/hold-equipped synthesizers handling the various little ornamental riffs in the background, but that is just speculation.  I have no idea how Jean-Michel Jarre put all this together.

[Joe H]

Jim and Bob,

It's not all for looks. EDM musicians playing live today are playing along with sequencers and/or audio loopers.  It's the modern way of playing complex music. Some players are using multiple vintage synth keyboards to play different custom Voices they programmed themselves.

Joe H

[Joe H]

Here is an example of what I mean: Kebu playing live.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBpfjSPDjos

Notice his technique for playing arpeggios with 2 hands like he is texting.

Joe H

[jimlaing]

Yes, I can see in this latest video that he's the real deal - he's playing what we are hearing - adding layers, etc.  A lot of talent involved ... and yes music-making has evolved and there are lots of methods and styles (and 'tools') for making music these days - which makes it a 'rich' environment for us that love to make music!  -Jim

[Joe H]

Here is another video of a guy in Poland performing on a riverboat.  That's an interesting boat don't you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuaRhpLZrcI&list=RDGMEMYH9CUrFO7CfLJpaD7UR85w&index=20

Joe H

[SciNote]

Yes, those are examples of a keyboard player actually playing complex pieces on the keyboards while other keyboards are set to provide background sequences and arpeggios.  As a side note, listening to those recordings, I wonder if either of those musicians knows how to play a major chord, or do they just always play dark, depressing chords?

But anyway, I was just referring to the Jean-Michel Jarre video above, where he is "playing" a semi-circular cartoonish keyboard -- in my estimation, that video is just for show and the artist isn't actually playing anything on it.  Also remember, that video was probably made around 1986 or so (as that is when the song came out), so a lot of today's technology was not available yet -- except maybe in a $250,000 Synclavier!

[Keyboard Master]

Yes, those are examples of a keyboard player actually playing complex pieces on the keyboards while other keyboards are set to provide background sequences and arpeggios.  As a side note, listening to those recordings, I wonder if either of those musicians knows how to play a major chord, or do they just always play dark, depressing chords?

But anyway, I was just referring to the Jean-Michel Jarre video above, where he is "playing" a semi-circular cartoonish keyboard -- in my estimation, that video is just for show and the artist isn't actually playing anything on it.  Also remember, that video was probably made around 1986 or so (as that is when the song came out), so a lot of today's technology was not available yet -- except maybe in a $250,000 Synclavier!

That's Good to know.

[Ingar]

Sounds like something that could be planning and installed in new concert hall.