Lubomyr Melnyk at Cafe Oto

Lubomyr Melnyk (born December 22, 1948) is a composer and pianist who pioneered 'continuous music' which requires a totally new technique of piano playing, based on extremely rapid notes and note-series that create a "tapestry of sound" usually with the sustain pedal held down to generate overtones and sympathetic resonances. These overtones blend or clash according to the harmonic changes. The technique of mastering his complex note patterns and speeds makes his music difficult for the normal pianist. Melnyk's personal sense of harmony and melodic flow often create a sombre, stately effect. He writes mostly for the piano although several chamber and orchestral works exist, He is also regarded the fastest pianist in the world, sustaining speeds of over 19.5 notes per second in each hand. In addition he has the record for most number of notes played in one hour with 93,650 individual notes played.