Sound of Chess explores the intersection of sound and chess through interactive design and generative music. The project transforms the ancient game of chess into a live, evolving soundscape where each piece movement triggers unique sonic events.
Built with Bela and Pure Data, the system uses electrical circuit design and voltage dividers to identify chess pieces in real-time. When a piece is moved, the board detects its type and position, sending data to Pure Data which generates corresponding sounds. Each piece has its own sonic character—pawns might trigger percussive hits, while queens create complex harmonic patterns.
The generative music system responds not just to individual moves, but to the overall game state, creating an emergent composition that reflects the tension, strategy, and flow of the match. Made in collaboration with Tristan Wielemann.
