Meteoric Graphic Scores

The four extended songs from the new album Meteoric Heralds of Dangers were performed using graphic scores.

Each score has the same format. They are typically made up of the following:

1. Chord progressions (top left) – for each section or covering all sections
2. Scored central melody (top right) – written in standard form
3. Prompt symbols (bottom) – a key showing what the different symbols mean
4. Circular score (centre) – including rings, symbols assigned to different instruments

The circular score is made up of three sections (A,B,C). With the above example, percussion, accordion and bass start in the smallest, inner section (A). The prompt symbols guide the musician on what to do (accordion = melody, bass = progression, percussion = standard playing). The next section includes all musicians. This is the central section. Each prompt symbol guides the musician. In the central section (B) the duration of a prompt circle is agreed on before playing. In the above composition the prompt symbols equal the ‘B’ chord progression played through twice.

The band played the compositions over and over in preparation for the recording. This is a key part of making the performances work. Often the prompt symbols suggest a way of playing that is in contrast to another symbol that another musician is playing at the same time. Getting everything to work in a section with different prompt symbols requires working through what everyone is doing to ensure it sounds correct.

Typically as the symbols are played through, inner to outer ring, keeping track of each circle of prompt symbols and the timings wasn’t easy. In the final recording you may here the occasional calling out of a number. This was to keep everyone on track and confirming where we were in the score.