Scholarly discussion of the music of John Cage.

[David Miller <>]

Hello, Andrew –

 

Thank you for bringing this to us. I remember attending a concert in the mid-80s with what was (perhaps?) the first version of Essay – a multi-channel audio work. I believe this was before Cage developed the installation approach to the work, though I am sure you will know better. I also remember that my date, who had essentially no listening background to bring to it, was at least curious and tolerant. That was fortunate!

 

I’m interested in this by the museum: “he did not intend for the work to be a political statement.” This does not seem entirely plausible to me. Might it be something that they needed to say? Or would it be harmful to them to speculate on this point in public?

 

Best wishes,

 

David M.

Boston, MA

 

From: Andrew Culver [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 1:11 PM
To:
Subject: [silence] Essay

 

Happy New Ears All

 

Last month a new museum in Hong Kong (M+) ran a rare installation of John’s sound installation Writings Through the Essay: In the Duty of Civil Disobedience. I designed the exhibition and composed lighting (36 loudspeakers, 24 lights). The audio tracks never coincided the same way twice. There were new light cues generated every day, nice and slow.

 

The results were beautiful, people liked, so much so that the museum acquisition committee voted to buy the work as one of only four permissible owners worldwide. Bremen bought the European version in the late 90’s — the other versions are still looking for a permanent home — someone in the Americas needs to step up. 

 

The democracy context in Hong Kong was potent. The space was an former cattle depot, complete with rings and troughs, suggesting the poor at work. This turned out to be a more theatrical rendition than the others I was involved in. Less modernism, more humanity. I think it’s the times.

 

Info here: http://www.westkowloon.hk/en/johncageessay

 

Andrew Culver