Multisensory Graphic Score Study # 1: The Balloon Study

This score was composed with the idea of a listener being able to hold a balloon to accentuate the airborne vibrations coming from the speakers.

To reflect this ‘manual’ experience, I developed a score based around the human hand. I made a print of my own hand, scanned the print, and then laid the notation out based on the shape of my hand and wrist.

The notation is for balloon, electric guitar (bass and six string) and loop pedal. The score requires the solo performer to record the different notated elements one by one into the loop pedal, so that they can be manipulated as they’re played back. Thus, there is an improvisational element in spite of the notation.