Multisensory Graphic Score Study # 1: The Balloon Study

This score was composed to offer listeners the chance to hold a balloon to accentuate the airborne vibrations coming from the speakers. Initially, I worked in consultation with the brilliant deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie to discuss what sounds would best suit this purpose. I tested lots of different sounds by recording them and playing them back while holding a balloon near the speaker.

I ultimately found that an actual balloon could provide a variety timbres that would translate well to vibrotactile experience, whether it was struck, rubbed or had the air released from it. I set about composing a piece for balloon sounds and electric guitar that could be performed by a single musician using a loop player to record and play back the loops as a harmony.

To reflect the ‘manual’ experience of my listeners, I made a print of my own hand, scanned the print, and then laid the notation for balloon and guitar following the architecture of my hand and wrist.