Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf

Stille Post (Chinese Whispers) 2019 - Trailer

As part of the course “Image Composition and Rhythm” by Institute of Music and Media lecturer Christian Schäfer, music visualization is treated using forms of musical notation lying outside our traditional system. Alternative musical notation by visual artists and musicians, such as the musical visualization and notation of the musician Anthony Braxton or the collection “Notations” compiled by John Cage, form the model and inspiration for the practical exercise “Chinese Whispers.”
The starting point of the Chinese whispers is a piece of music which is assigned to the students by drawing lots. This is visualized graphically – but without using our conventional music notation or writing system. The resulting notes are passed on to another participant without any music, title or other references to the piece. This person then records his or her own interpretation of the notation. The newly created track is then given a title and is again passed on, and this time visualized in the form of a cover.

Since 2016 it has been possible to watch and hear the complete development – from original to re-interpretation – at the SITTart Gallery of the Association of Düsseldorf Artists (VdDK 1844) over a number of days at the end of each summer semester.

The trailer by IMM student Laura Greco, which was created as part of the “Stille Post” Exhibition in 2019, provides insight into this unusual study assignment.