DigiScore TENOR commission: Xavier Davenport

Abstract

GuitaRPG is a digital score created by musician Xavier Davenport using the Neoscore platform. It combines music with game-like elements, such as role-playing and skill acquisition. The performer navigates through different regions in the digital score, each with its own unique influences and colour palette. In each region, the performer must incorporate specific elements and guitar techniques to progress through the piece. The more regions the performer explores, the more complex the guitar techniques become. The player has control over the duration of their stay in each region, allowing for both macro and micro involvement. Macro involvement involves navigating the map to find specific materials, while micro involvement entails engaging with regions through playing techniques as they randomly appear. The visual materials change in density and colour, controlled by a weighted algorithm, creating a sense of exploration and improvisation for the performer. The project was realised using the Neoscore platform, with support from Andrew Yoon and Craig Vear, and was commissioned through the Digital Score project.