Atlas Eclipticalis with Winter Music

Cage’s relationship with the Cornish Institute in Seattle dates back to the 1930s, when he taught there and performed as accompanist for many dance pieces. Cornish was also the scene of several of his musical discoveries and innovations.

Cage’s celebrated return to the Cornish Institute in 1983 led to these recordings of his conducting Atlas Eclipticalis performed simultaneously with Winter Music – a rare opportunity to hear Cage perform his own works. Two complete 80-minute long performances are presented here, captured live in concert.

New 96khz/24-bit mastering made from the original analog tapes.

The original liner notes by John Cage and the New Performance Group’s Matthew Kocmieroski are supplemented with new essays on Atlas Eclipticalis by Cage’s long-time colleague and publisher Don Gillespie, and on Winter Music by Stephen Drury.

Originally released as a 4-LP set on Mode in 1986, reissued on CD for the first time.

BONUS TRACKS: FIRST RELEASE
The first recording of all 86 instrumental parts of Atlas Eclipticalis, recorded under Cage’s supervision at the “John Cage at Wesleyan Festival” in 1988 with all-star players including the Arditti Quartet, Alvin Lucier, Christian Wolff, Neely Bruce and others.

Winter Music, overdubbed by four pianists to perform the parts for 20 pianos, directed by acclaimed Cage interpreter Stephen Drury.