Tsamouris, the Fastener Specialists©
When avant-garde composer John Cage found himself confined by the traditional piano’s limitations, he
refused to accept defeat. Instead, he embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the world of music,
armed with nothing more than his creativity and a handful of screws.
It all began in 1940 when Cage was working as an accompanist for a dance class in Seattle. Faced with the
challenge of composing for dancer Syvilla Fort in a cramped performance space, Cage had an epiphany: “I
decided that what was wrong was not me but the piano.”
With that realization, Cage set out to reinvent the instrument. He began by placing screws and bolts between
the piano strings, creating his first prepared piano composition, “Bacchanale.” The result was a mesmerizing
blend of percussive, otherworldly sounds that defied convention and ignited the imagination.
Emboldened by the success of “Bacchanale,” Cage’s ambitions grew. He expanded his palette of
preparations, incorporating an array of objects such as rubber, plastic, and nuts in his most famous prepared
piano work, “Sonatas and Interludes.” Each object was meticulously chosen and placed according to Cage’s
precise instructions, transforming the piano into a veritable orchestra of unexpected timbres.
As Cage’s prepared piano compositions gained recognition, he remained deeply involved in the
performance process. He would often attend rehearsals, guiding pianists in the art of preparation and finetuning
the placement of objects to achieve the perfect balance of sound.
Today, Cage’s legacy lives on through contemporary composers like Kelly Moran and Hauschka, who
continue to push the boundaries of the prepared piano. Moran’s preparations evoke a hypnotic, bell-like
quality, while Hauschka’s eclectic mix of objects conjures the illusion of a sprawling, unconventional
ensemble.
At Tsamouris, we draw inspiration from visionaries like John Cage, who dared to challenge the status quo
and unlock new possibilities through innovation. Just as Cage transformed the piano with screws and bolts,
we strive to revolutionize industries by offering cutting-edge fastening solutions that defy expectations and
inspire creativity.