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Composition in Retrospect,Used
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John Cage's poetical statement on indeterminacy, Duchamp, art, life and moreWritten in his characteristic mesostics (lines of prose poetry linked by a central vertical acrostic), Composition in Retrospect is a statement of methodology in which composer John Cage examines the central issues of his work: indeterminacy, imitation, variable structure and contingency. Finished only shortly before his death in 1992, Composition in Retrospect completes the documentation of Cages thought that began with his classic book Silence (1961), but it is an introduction and invitation to his work as much as a summary or conclusion. Also included in this volume (at Cages request) is Themes and Variations, a piece written in 1982 about friends and heroes such as Jasper Johns, Buckminster Fuller, Marcel Duchamp and Erik Satie. Together these pieces form a book that is both a testament to the artists Cage admired and a clear statement of his own ars poetica.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Composition in Retrospect'? A: 'Composition in Retrospect' by John Cage explores themes such as indeterminacy, imitation, variable structure, and contingency in art and life.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Composition in Retrospect'? A: The author of 'Composition in Retrospect' is John Cage, a renowned composer and artist.
- Q: What is the format of the book? A: 'Composition in Retrospect' is available in paperback format and consists of 184 pages.
- Q: When was 'Composition in Retrospect' published? A: 'Composition in Retrospect' was published on October 1, 2008.
- Q: What writing style is used in 'Composition in Retrospect'? A: The book is written in John Cage's characteristic 'mesostics', which are lines of prose poetry linked by a central vertical acrostic.
- Q: Does 'Composition in Retrospect' include additional pieces? A: Yes, 'Composition in Retrospect' includes 'Themes and Variations', a piece written by Cage in 1982 discussing his friends and heroes.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: 'Composition in Retrospect' is listed as being in good condition.
- Q: Is 'Composition in Retrospect' suitable for beginners in art and music? A: Yes, the book serves as both an introduction to John Cage's work and a summary of his thought, making it accessible to beginners.
- Q: What is the significance of 'Composition in Retrospect' in Cage's body of work? A: 'Composition in Retrospect' completes the documentation of Cage's thoughts that began with his earlier book, 'Silence', highlighting his artistic methodology.
- Q: Who are some of the artists mentioned in 'Composition in Retrospect'? A: In 'Composition in Retrospect', John Cage references artists such as Jasper Johns, Buckminster Fuller, Marcel Duchamp, and Erik Satie.