Talking Music: Conversations With John Cage, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, and Five Generations of American Experimental Composers

William Duckworth

Da Capo Press, 1999 - Music - 489 pages

Talking Music is comprised of substantial original conversations with seventeen American experimental composers and musicians -- including Milton Babbitt, Pauline Oliveros, Steve Reich, Meredith Monk, and John Zorn -- many of whom rarely grant interviews.

The author skillfully elicits candid dialogues that encompass technical explorations; questions of method, style, and influence; their personal lives and struggles to create; and their aesthetic goals and artistic declarations. Herein, John Cage recalls the turning point in his career; Ben Johnston criticizes the operas of his teacher Harry Partch; La Monte Young attributes his creative discipline to a Mormon childhood; Steve Reich explains how his reharmonizations relate to Debussy; and much more. The results are revelatory conversations with some of America's most radical musical innovators.

What people are saying

Review: Talking Music: Conversations With John Cage, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, And 5 Generations Of American Experimental Composers

User Review  - Philippe - Goodreads

This is a very entertaining collection of interviews. Duckworth takes his time to explore the issues sufficiently deeply with his interlocutors. Hence, there is substance to the book: it certainly is ...

Review: Talking Music: Conversations With John Cage, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, And 5 Generations Of American Experimental Composers

User Review  - Natalie - Goodreads

Very enlightening to read these famous composers describe their lives and how they perceive their work. A lot of the stories were inspriring, but I was also amazed at the level of egoism that some of these composers have, especially La Monte Young. A long, but very informative read.

About the author

William Duckworth is a composer, professor of music at Bucknell University, author of two books on music theory, and editor of John Cage at 75. He lives in New Jersey.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Talking Music: Conversations With John Cage, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, and Five Generations of American Experimental Composers
• Author: William Duckworth
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Da Capo Press, 1999
• ISBN: 0306808935, 9780306808937
• Length: 489 pages
• Subjects: Music / General; Music / Reference