JOHN CAGE : The Number Pieces 6

'New York based ensemble Essential Music had a strong relationship with John Cage in his later years. This experience gives these recordings a special authority. Recorded in 1993-94, they are being released for the first time.
In 1987 John Cage began writing his “number” and “time-bracket” compositions, which became his primary compositional method for the remainder of his life. These works are named for the number of musicians participating, consist of the number of parts with no complete score, within which are various series of flexible time-brackets in which each musician is free to choose the beginnings, ends, and durations of one’s notes.
Thirteen is Cage’s final completed work. This is only its second recording.
Five does not specify instrumentation. Essential Music chose to perform it, with Cage’s approval, by blowing into bottles to create pitches creating a mysterious effect.'



Tracklist
1 Five, For Any Five Voices Or Instruments 5:00
Noises [Blow Bottles] – Charles Wood, Eric Kivnick, John Kennedy, Judith Gordon, Maya Gunji
2 Seven 20:00
Cello – Ted Mook
Clarinet – Mark Lieb
Flute – Janet Axelrod
Percussion – V.J. Gunhük
Piano – Judith Gordon
Viola – Tina Pelikan
Violin – Greg Kitzis
3 Thirteen 30:00
Bassoon – Michael Finn
Cello – Mary Wooten
Clarinet – Mark Lieb
Flute – Janet Axelrod
Oboe – Blair Tindall
Trombone – Monique Buzzarté
Trumpet – Carl Albach
Tuba – David Braynard
Viola – Ron Lawrence
Violin – Greg Kitzis, Mary Rowell
Xylophone – Charles Wood, John Kennedy

Credits
Co-producer [Associate] – Charles Wood, John Kennedy
Composed By – John Cage
Engineer, Edited By – David Avidor
Liner Notes – John Kennedy
Mastered By [24-bit] – Steve Puntolillo
Producer – Brian Brandt