PEANA gallery

“Prepared for a Storm” for prepared piano and electronics, was recorded on February 2024 during the group exhibition “Un terco y un ermitaño entran a un bar”.

The piece was commissioned by Peana Gallery, and the preparation of the piano is a collaboration between Lenka Clayton and Philip Andrew Lewis. The piece was curated by Joseph del Pesco, Ana Pérez Escoto and Mercedes Gómez. The piano used in this recording belonged to Conlon Nancarrow and was recorded in his home studio, kindly built and designed by Juan O’Gorman in Las Águilas neighbourhood in Mexico City.

The electronic part in the middle is an homage to Nancarrow’s piano roll system of impossible piano music, using MIDI pianos and tempo automations. This section was played on small speakers on site and then overdubbed with its pre-recorded counterpart at Darío Afb’s home studio.


Conlon Nancarrow’s player piano was recorded with three microphones on site, and the piece was played in its entirety.

Two takes were recorded.
The piano performance on the first take was better, but it lacked intention.
The second take was sloppier, but the intention was right.
Conlon Nancarrow would’ve preferred the first one, but I chose the second one.

released September 27, 2024
Mixing and Mastering Engineer: Jesús Báez

Artwork and Typography: Aldo Arillo

The mix was done by Darío Afb in Mexico City.

The brilliant additional mix and mastering was done by Jesús Báez in a place close to the mountains.

The beautiful artwork and typography was made by Aldo Arillo close to the same mountains.

As a pianist and composer, the idea that this thing happened is nothing short of a dream.

Thanks to Peana Gallery for making it happen and everyone who came to the live performances.