This book explores the life and works of the pioneering opera composer Robert Ashley; one of the leading American composers of the post-Cage generation. Ashleys innovations began in the 1960s when he; along with Alvin Lucier; Gordon Mumma; and David Behrman; formed the Sonic Arts Union; a group that turned conceptualism toward electronics. He was also instrumental in the influential ONCE Group; a theatrical ensemble that toured extensively in the 1960s.During his tenure as its director; the ONCE Festival in Ann Arbor presented most of the decades pioneers of the performing arts. Particularly known for his development of television operas beginning with Perfect Lives; Ashley spun a long series of similar text/music works; sometimes termed "performance novels." These massive pieces have been compared with Wagners Ring Cycle for the vastness of their vision; though the materials are completely different; often incorporating noise backgrounds; vernacular music; and highly structured; even serialized; musical structures.
#4425635 in eBooks 2009-07-03 2009-07-03File Name: B00AWE48KC
Review
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Capture and communicate concepts quicklyBy Brian SaarWish I had bought more books like this instead of going to design school.The hundreds of drawings and sketches are worth it alone but the writing is also excellent and not fluffy. The focus is on the understanding your goals; following the process; and getting the mindset of creating sketches quickly to communicate rough ideas for further refinement. The book is loaded with great perspectives and tips on how to capture your ideas.Its great for people with no experience sketching but great for people who have been sketching for a while.This one is one of my favorites out of all the design books Ive bought.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great content. Love the read and illustrations provide great ...By Vicki BGreat content. Love the read and illustrations provide great perspective. But the binding was already coming unglued after page 100. But maybe the book isnt meant to be opened flat on a table.70 of 72 people found the following review helpful. Not about how to draw" . . .By JayArrI have a fairly strong art library; I live in a rural area and have to teach myself. This book is a great addition to anyone who is interested in communicating visually. Rather than focusing on HOW to draw; the primary focus of this book is (implicitly) WHY to draw. It does not give ideas on what to draw (which is at least suggested by its title). Instead; it is concerned with HOW to communicate your ideas visually; effectively; and efficiently. If youre looking for HOW to draw in an extremely effective way; try Robertsons and Bertlings "How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination." Between it and "Rapid Viz"; you have the two best "how to draw" books Ive found in the last ten years - and theyre both available from . "Drawing Ideas" is the perfect companion volume to these two books; in my opinion; this triad - Drawing Ideas; Rapid Viz; and How to Draw - make up a complete art library. All thats left is paper; pencil; and practice . . . good sketching to you!