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So the “piano” was the exemplar of a nonelementary particle that could be subject to quantum diffraction effects.

Thank you for your interesting narrative.

Since this is a UPI story, one would think it would be aimed at a general audience not necessarily adept at handling quantum mechanics-based explanations.

I expected to read a description of the properties of this new state of matter in the real world (yes, my real world). However, I was let down to learn that this state exists only near absolute zero, since I do enjoy playing the piano- but only in comfortable climates.

[dr_lew]

However, I was let down to learn that this state exists only near absolute zero ...

Well, "near" is a relative term. We may note that molecules can exist only in a state "near" absolute zero, i.e. temperatures much less than the surface of the sun. The physicist relishes this sliding scale, which appears in all things.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

My college physics professor's PhD thesis was creating a test set up to show tunneling of superfluid helium at ultra-low temperatures. They created two tubes connected by a hole that was too small for the helium to penetrate according to classical physics, but was able to get through from one tube to the other via quantum effects.

This phenomenon might be similar in origin.