Writings about John Cage

Abstract

was one of most extraordinary and intriguing composers of twentieth century--or perhaps of any century. His vast corpus of musical compositions, writings, and performances has amazed, amused, bored, enlightened, angered, and fascinated audiences throughout world. Despite controversy surrounding his work, there is little disagreement about his role as one of most important and influential members of avant-garde.In Writings about Cage, the renowned expert Richard Kostelanetz has collected writings of thirty-seven prominent scholars and critics. Selections include articles by composers Henry Cowell, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Lou Harrison, Michael Nyman, Virgil Thomson, and Christian Wolff; by literary figures Paul Bowles, Hollander, and Manfredi Piccolomini; by critics Daniel Charles, Jill Johnston, Edward Rothstein, Calvin Tomkins, and Peter Yates; and by performers Merce Cunningham and Paul Zukofsky. contributions cover all aspects of Cage's life and career, including his music, his aesthetics, his prose and poetry, his visual art, and his contributions to modern dance.Richard Kostelanetz is a poet and critic who has written and edited numerous books on aesthetics, avant-garde, and literature, including The Avant-Garde Tradition in Literature, On Innovative Music(ian)s, Theatre of Mixed Means, and Esthetics Contemporary. He is author of The Old Poetries and New, also published by University of Michigan Press. His books on include John Cage and Conversing with Cage. . . most intelligently chosen book of writings about that I've seen. . . . Kostelanetz is a practiced and gifted anthologist, with discriminating eye of a litterateur, sensibility of a poet, and ear of a musician. . . . . [N]o matter how we read Writings about Cage, we learn--from intelligent and serious teachers whose writings are worth effort.--Institute for Studies in American Music Newsletter. . . belongs in library of anyone who is trying to understand and to deal with Cage.--Performing Arts Journal