Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf

Stille Post (Chinese Whispers) 2019

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.

Here are the results of the “Chinese Whispers” projects for 2019:

Step 3 > Moons a song by Yale Sevis
about the Notation by Matthias Erdmann

Theme De Yoyo > Amarillo Y Noche

Step 1 > Theme De Yoyo by Art Ensemble of Chicago

Step 2 > Notation by Yale Sevis

Step 3 > Amarillo Y Noche, a song by Paul Müller Reyes
about the notation by Yale Sevis

Step 4 > Cover by Johannis Kaarst for Amarillo Y Noche

Hematic Sunsets > Leopoldius

Step 1 > Hematic Sunsets Lübeck, Naturkundemuseum

2. Schritt > Notation by Yannick Benavidis

Step 3 > Leopoldius, a song by Matthias Erdmann
about the notation by Yannick Benavidis

Step 4 > Cover by Paul Müller Reyes to Leopoldius

Motivational Research > Transmittant Corn

Step 1 > Motivational Research by Peter Brötzmann / Alfred 23

Step 2 > Notation by Alexander Borowski

Step 3 > Transmittant Corn, a song by Gregor Pankert
about the Notation by Alexander Borowski

Step 4> Cover by Felix Hecker to Transmittant Corn

Diese Schmerzen musst du teilen > Braille

Step 1 > Diese Schmerzen musst du teilen by JaKönigJa

Step 2 > Notation by Gregor Pankert

Step 3 > Braiile, a song by Alexander Borowski
about the Notation by Gregor Pankert

Step 4 > Cover by Matthias Erdmann for Braille

The Human Condition > What was that

Step 1 > The Human Condition by K Leimer

Step 2 > Notation by Felix Hecker

Step 3 > What was that a song by Johannes Kaarst
about the Notation by Felix Hecker

Step 4 > Cover by Yale Sevis for What was that

Themes V > Botbugs

Step 1 > Themes V by Rashad Becker

Step 2: Notation by Paul Müller Reyes

Step 3: Botbugs, a song by Yannick Benavidis
about the Notation by Paul Müller Reyes

Step 4 > Cover by Alexander Borowski for Botbugs

In The Air > Bliss U

Step 1 > In The Air by Michele Musser

Step 2 > Notation by Johannes Kaarst

Step 3 > Bliss U, a song by Vauxßzre
about the Notation by Johannes Kaarst

Step 4 > Cover by Yannick Benavidis for Bliss U

Slave To The Rhythm > Moons

Step 1 > Slave To The Rhythm by Grace Jones

Step 2 > Notation by Matthias Erdmann