Terra Nova

Terra Nova, a First Person Concerto for videogamer and semi-improvisational ensemble is a practical investigation into adaptive music, where performers are given possible musical responses but can also be guided in semi-improvisation or live-composed through soundpainting (W. Thompson, ca. 1974, www.soundpainting.org). The work was composed to commemorate the 100 years of Robert Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic Expedition with the support of the Scott Polar Research Institute, who facilitated original photography by Herbert Ponting for the ‘cut-scenes’ in the game.The videogame itself was created by post-production professional Matt Hollis, to my instructions,. In the game, we attempt three scenarios of the polar expedition. The playing of the videogame itself directs the musical material to adapt as appropriate as cues and responses must be chosen on the fly by the conductor.