'Garry Kasparov vs. Deep Blue' is a new electro-acoustic algorithmic composition by Dublin based composer Francis Heery.

The six-movement work is based on the moves made during the match played in 1997 between Kasparov and the IBM supercomputer, a match that was billed as the ultimate Man vs. Machine challenge.

Each movement maps the trajectory of a game in the match, alternately presenting the listener with audio representations of the moves made by the players as well as the culmination of these moves during the game. Thus, from the most stable and simple of beginnings each movement steadily increases in harmonic and textural complexity.

Kasparov was controversially beaten by Deep Blue sending a tremor of unease throughout the chess playing community and posing the question: If a computer can beat a Grandmaster at chess (a game that calls for both strategic and creative modes of thought) then what are the limits to its capabilities?

‘Garry Kasparov vs. Deep Blue’ is available now from Road Records and Freebird Records.

Freebird Records: www.freebird-records.com

Posted: 24 January 2007