An Exploration of Peg Solitaire as a Compositional Tool

Kirsty Keatch

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract:

Sounds of Solitaire is a novel interface for musical expression based on an extended peg solitaire board as a generator of live musical composition. The classic puzzle game, for one person, is extended by mapping the moves of the game through a self contained system using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, triggering both analogue and digital sound. The solitaire board, as instrument, is presented as a wood and Perspex box with the hardware inside. Ball bearings function as both solitaire pegs and switches, while a purpose built solenoid controlled monochord and ball bearing run provide the analogue sound source, which is digitally manipulated in real-time, according to the sequences of game moves. The creative intention of Sounds of Solitaire is that the playful approach to participation in a musical experience, provided by the material for music making in real-time, demonstrates an integrated approach to concepts of composing, performing and listening.

Citation:

Kirsty Keatch. 2014. An Exploration of Peg Solitaire as a Compositional Tool. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1178827

BibTeX Entry:

  @inproceedings{kkeatch2014,
 abstract = {Sounds of Solitaire is a novel interface for musical expression based on an extended peg solitaire board as a generator of live musical composition. The classic puzzle game, for one person, is extended by mapping the moves of the game through a self contained system using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, triggering both analogue and digital sound. The solitaire board, as instrument, is presented as a wood and Perspex box with the hardware inside. Ball bearings function as both solitaire pegs and switches, while a purpose built solenoid controlled monochord and ball bearing run provide the analogue sound source, which is digitally manipulated in real-time, according to the sequences of game moves. The creative intention of Sounds of Solitaire is that the playful approach to participation in a musical experience, provided by the material for music making in real-time, demonstrates an integrated approach to concepts of composing, performing and listening.},
 address = {London, United Kingdom},
 author = {Kirsty Keatch},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.1178827},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 pages = {102--105},
 publisher = {Goldsmiths, University of London},
 title = {An Exploration of Peg Solitaire as a Compositional Tool},
 url = {http://www.nime.org/proceedings/2014/nime2014_466.pdf},
 year = {2014}
}