John Cage - Indeterminacy
90 Stories
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Author: John Cage (1912-1992)
- Language: English
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 5.5 inches
Performance edition. Boxed set includes booklet with performance instructions (pacing, tone, selection, accompaniment), the history of and a bibliography about the work, a list of the variant texts used by Cage in his printed and spoken versions, plus a 5-page index which lists references and topics covered in the stories. The "score" for this work consists of ninety numbered stories, each printed on its own individual 5"x7" card. Reprinted in agreement with Wesleyan University Press and the John Cage Trust.
Cage selected these stories, in this order, for his 1959 Folkways recording (available as a reissue from Smithsonian Folkways), but the performer may choose a smaller number. However, some stories are related, and "attaca" symbols are at the end of each story which continues in the next. Each story, when properly performed, has a duration of about 60 seconds, though some can take slightly longer to perform to ensure that no mistakes in the reading are made (this is very important!); the overall time should then be made up by speeding up one of the shorter stories to compensate. Time brackets on the cards enclose roughly every 10 seconds worth of text. A stopwatch or watch could be used to help a performer keep time. The stories should be read in a natural, conversational voice, so amplification is recommended for performance. Cage performed this work both with and without accompaniment, so the performer can choose either way; if accompaniment is used,it should not be synchronized (that is, loudsounds may occasionally drown out the reading).
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
John Cage - Indeterminacy
