John Cage is best known for his indeterminate music; which leaves a significant level of creative decision-making in the hands of the performer. But how much licence did Cage allow? Martin Iddons book is the first volume to collect the complete extant correspondence between the composer and pianist David Tudor; one of Cages most provocative and significant musical collaborators. The book presents their partnership from working together in New York in the early 1950s; through periods on tour in Europe; until the late stages of their work from the 1960s onwards; carried out almost exclusively within the frame of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Tackling the question of how much creative flexibility Tudor was granted; Iddon includes detailed examples of the ways in which Tudor realised Cages work; especially focusing on Music of Changes to Variations II; to show how composer and pianist influenced one anothers methods and styles.
#1973246 in eBooks 2013-05-31 2013-05-31File Name: B00B4FJP9C
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great look into a dancers lifeBy CustomerIve been meaning to review this book for a while; as I really liked it. Ringer discusses her journey from childhood in Virginia; where she started dance lessons; to the School of American Ballet in NYC to her work in the New York City ballet. Ringer was talented; but her path was far from even; she struggled with her weight; bouncing from too thin to heavy. Eventually she left the company for a year. She returned; rising to principal dancer and marrying; only to revisit her weight issues when a NY Times dance critic criticized her weight in a review; in an incident famous as Nutcrackergate. Ringer used the opportunity to discuss body issues in ballet. I very much liked how she physically and intellectually prepares for her roles; and her discussion of how dancers are educated and trained.Some reviewers criticize Ringer for discussing her Christian faith and how it has helped her. I dont agree with this. Ringer is never preachy. Faith is an integral part of her life; and has helped her through tough times. Christians have a rough time in popular culture; depicted as rigid; judgmental and hypocritical. If a writer of any other faith was criticizing for discussing their religious journey in an autobiography; the criticism would surely be criticized. This book would be of interest to dancer and dance fans.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. wonderful bookBy Beverly BrittonThis book about Jenifer Ringers struggles with an eating disorder was wonderfully written. I couldnt wait to finish it. I love books where people triumph over problems and especially liked the Christian influence on the authors life. It also gave me a great look into the daily life of a ballerina; so I learned a lot in the process. The next professional ballet I will get to see will help me fully appreciate the hard work and day to day struggles of those in the ballet world. I appreciate the honestly that went into writing this. It would be hard to reveal yourself so fully; but Jenifer did that much to the enhancement of the book. I highly recommend this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Bought it for a dance book; recommend it for a book about life and finding a way to follow passionBy P M.Im a senior dancer that started late (27 years old); am still taking class and doing a bit of avocational performing. I thought Ringers book would be interesting. Well; it is and so much more. She details backstage prep; rehearsals; performances (how did she remember all that?!) at one of the worlds top ballet companies. But what this amazing persons memoir really drives home is following your bliss; even when it seems impossible; while growing as a human being. Lots here to recommend for any addict. Ringers addiction was to food; she used Overeaters Anonymous as well as support from her church; including counseling and prayer during her recovery. Also highly recommended for a dance family. The triumphs; perils; pitfalls of being a serious young dancer are laid out unlike anywhere else Ive seen. She is a brave and inspiring writer; but Jenifer Ringer has also written a real page turner of a great read. Brava! It would be wonderful to see another autobiography of life after dance as a mom of two and relocating from the East Coast to the West Coast with her husband; a former NYCB dancer and now managing director of the LA Dance Project. I think Ringer would have me laughing at loud and near tears at life in LA as I was at times reading this memoir of her life up to age 40.