Totem Ancestor

Composed in 1942. Premiered in New York, October 20, 1942.

2 minutes

This work was originally used as music for the choreographed piece by Merce Cunningham of the same title. A version for dance with Laban Notation is available (EP 6762a). The 11 notes comprising this piece are prepared with screws, bolts, weather stripping, and a free-rattling nut. It was written for the dance by Merce Cunningham of the same title and follows its phraseology.

There are 18 recordings of Totem Ancestor in our database.

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John Cage

Joshua Pierce, piano and prepared piano. Jay Clayton, voice (in She is Asleep). Paul Price Percussion Ensemble (in She is Asleep): Michael Holchrum, Steve Kastuck, Jeff Kraus and Paul Price, percussion. Joshua Pierce, conductor.

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