I'm planning a performance of The Great Learning in late 2009 and I had a question I was hoping someone here could answer for me. The score of the piece I have comes from Larry Austin's Source magazine and it includes Paragraphs 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7. I have always assumed that this was the full score and that for whatever reason, Cardew never composed pieces for paragraphs 3 and 4.
In doing a little research I'm finding conflicting information as to whether what was published in Source is a complete score or not. Some places say the piece is "in seven parts" and other things say that it's a complete score in Source.
Does anyone know?
On a related note, is anyone aware of any complete performances of this work in the last 10-20 years?
Thanks!
Nick
Cardew's The Great Learning
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
OK, I answered my own question(s)... these people did all seven parts:
http://maakali.org/Cardew/Cardew.swf
Follow up question: Where can I find the score for paragraphs 3 and 4?
http://maakali.org/Cardew/Cardew.swf
Follow up question: Where can I find the score for paragraphs 3 and 4?
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
There definitely is 7 paragraphs and also the Ode Machines. You can get the whole score from Matchless, you'll probably have to email them about it. I bought my copy of the score from Verge Music a number of years back so you can try them as well (looks like they still have it: link).
I have to say its an incredible undertaking, impressive that you are going to do it. The organ parts are quite difficult in the later paragraphs and there is lots of other tricky elements in the other paragraphs. Plus the thing is epically long and you need a lot of people. I have a complete performance that runs around eight hours that was done 8-9 July 1984, by the Scratch Orchestra at Union Chapel, Islington. Have you picked up a copy of Tilbury's Cardew bio? It's chapter analyzing the Great Learning is packed with great information, definitely recommended. Its a great piece, I've played paragraph 6 a number of times and while I found it challenging it was quite rewarding.
Keeps us updated on your progress, I'd be tempted to catch your performance.
I have to say its an incredible undertaking, impressive that you are going to do it. The organ parts are quite difficult in the later paragraphs and there is lots of other tricky elements in the other paragraphs. Plus the thing is epically long and you need a lot of people. I have a complete performance that runs around eight hours that was done 8-9 July 1984, by the Scratch Orchestra at Union Chapel, Islington. Have you picked up a copy of Tilbury's Cardew bio? It's chapter analyzing the Great Learning is packed with great information, definitely recommended. Its a great piece, I've played paragraph 6 a number of times and while I found it challenging it was quite rewarding.
Keeps us updated on your progress, I'd be tempted to catch your performance.
"Please everybody, if we haven't done what we could have done, we've tried"
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
Thanks a lot for the info. Actually after I posted this I found a complete score online in a few university libraries and am having my wife who's a librarian get one for me.
It's something I've wanted to do for almost 10 years now and didn't really think we had the resources and number of performers available to do it but after a meeting and a few private conversations people seem to think it's a worthwhile and feasible project (and also to perform it over multiple evenings rather than all at once). So, I'm looking forward to it.
I have been meaning to pick up Tilbury's bio since it came out so I may go ahead and do that and just buy my own copy of the score as well. The xeroxes from Source I have also includes the Ode Machines, too.
It's something I've wanted to do for almost 10 years now and didn't really think we had the resources and number of performers available to do it but after a meeting and a few private conversations people seem to think it's a worthwhile and feasible project (and also to perform it over multiple evenings rather than all at once). So, I'm looking forward to it.
I have been meaning to pick up Tilbury's bio since it came out so I may go ahead and do that and just buy my own copy of the score as well. The xeroxes from Source I have also includes the Ode Machines, too.
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
this sounds pretty sweet to me. i've been trying and failing to make it down for your shows for months already, this is one to try even harder for.
m
m
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
Hi, I lurk here a bunch and have been wanting to chime in.
I saw what i believe to have been a full version of The Great Learning in the 90's in New York. It was amazing, but went on forever and a day! I believe-and my memory might be failing me-that the ensemble included sean meehan, members of the scratch orchestra, kosugi, and bob ashley. might have been better in sections spread out over a few nights maybe.
Coincidently, I met Meehan last month at my job. Super nice guy. I was curious about his recent duo with Taku Unami after reading about it here. We had a good chat about it, and his Sectors recording that I love, but didnt realize was all acoustic.
He claimed for the Unami duo they only discussed duration and lighting, and that he stuck to just short, pitched, fork sounds and whistling to contrast the other set he played. Also claimed Unami was remotely making his drum sound in some way that he still cant figure out...
Anyhow, I had seen meehan play alot in the 90's when I was going to school and a few times since moving back to New York, so it was good to meet him and hear him talk about his work a bit.
Don't know if any of this is of interest....
Cheers,
Anthony
I saw what i believe to have been a full version of The Great Learning in the 90's in New York. It was amazing, but went on forever and a day! I believe-and my memory might be failing me-that the ensemble included sean meehan, members of the scratch orchestra, kosugi, and bob ashley. might have been better in sections spread out over a few nights maybe.
Coincidently, I met Meehan last month at my job. Super nice guy. I was curious about his recent duo with Taku Unami after reading about it here. We had a good chat about it, and his Sectors recording that I love, but didnt realize was all acoustic.
He claimed for the Unami duo they only discussed duration and lighting, and that he stuck to just short, pitched, fork sounds and whistling to contrast the other set he played. Also claimed Unami was remotely making his drum sound in some way that he still cant figure out...
Anyhow, I had seen meehan play alot in the 90's when I was going to school and a few times since moving back to New York, so it was good to meet him and hear him talk about his work a bit.
Don't know if any of this is of interest....
Cheers,
Anthony
Re: Cardew's The Great Learning
For the curious, I've obtained a full score via the magic of interlibrary loan. Thanks everyone for the responses. This thing is beast!