Project Presentation »Superposition Composition«

In quantum mechanics, superposition describes the state in which a system exists in multiple states simultaneously until a measurement is made, determining its final state. Repeated measurements reveal probabilities, which in turn define the weighting of the final state. »Superposition Composition« is an artistic-scientific experiment that translates the quantum mechanical principle of superposition into a musical form. As ZKM’s contribution of the UNESCO Quantum Year 2025, it will be performed at least twice daily from April to December, racking up over 500 performances – and thus, measurements.

The composition of the approximately 10-minute piano piece »Superposition Composition« by composer Jia Liu includes built in variations, which are determined for each performance using true random numbers calculated by a quantum computer. As a result, every performance differs from all previous ones and simultaneously acts as a measurement of the acoustic quantum system, resolving the superposition of possible composition modules into a fixed playable state. Only after a large number of performances/measurements does the final form of the composition crystallize through the frequency of played variations. The resulting final composition from these measurements will be presented in a performance in December, with the composer in attendance. An accompanying data visualization, along with explanatory materials, will complement the installation. By acoustically outputting the composition on a MIDI piano on the music balcony of the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, we will be able to "measure" it at least twice a day for nine months. The composition resulting from these measurements will be presented in a separate performance at the end of the project. An accompanying data visualization and explanatory material will complement the installation.

Premiere: 12.04.2025, 11 am Music Balcony at the ZKM
From then on, »Superposition Composition« can be enjoyed daily at 11 am and 5 pm until December 2025.

Open Hertzlab: April 11, 2025, 3 pm in the Hertzlab
Lecture by Jia Liu

re:publica 2025 in Berlin
Alongside the installation in Karlsruhe, the work will also be presented at re:publica 2025 in Berlin. It can be experienced on site throughout the festival and the sound “measurements” will be made accessible to the public there in a special “festival edition”.