Opus 1: Die Neue Weltanschauung
For 4 to 9 performers
Das Neunundneunzigmusikspiel (99 Music Game) is a cheeky little board game I invented for my Visual Music class as a way of executing a musical “score” consisting of a list of 99 words or phrases. The game board, one six-sided die, a placeholder (coins or Monopoly characters work well) and the list are necessary to play the game/piece. I have composed my first piece for the system, but presumably, anybody can “compose” their own list of 99 words or phrases to be used for the Game.
All players place their placeholders on “start.”
Each player rolls the die to determine the order of play. If two or more players roll the same number, then they should roll again, and repeat if necessary until an order is established.
In the established order, each player rolls the die, and advances the placeholder the corresponding number of spaces. The player then looks up the word or phrase corresponding to the number of the space where she has moved the placeholder. She then verbally calls out the word or phrase, and then performs a gesture that interprets the word or phrase. A gesture is broadly defined as a vocal or instrumental performance, interpretive dance, or other expression. The other players may also choose to perform complementary gestures expressing the word or phrase, but it is optional.
The players continue performing until the next player decides to roll the die, advances the placeholder, and calls out the corresponding word or phrase, after which the players perform the next gesture.
Game play continues until the placeholder arrives at the end (fin). If there is an “over-roll,” for example, if the placeholder is one space away from the end, but the player rolls a six, the move is still considered to be valid ending.
I would love to execute this score sometime, anybody interested in performing it with me?