John Cage / Dieter Schnebel
Atlas Eclipticalis • Winter Music • Cartridge Music / Teil
Deutsche Grammophon (Germany) 1969
643 543 (LP) coated sleeve.
sleeve : EX(wear on corner.)
media : EX-/EX-(some light noises.)
This album was released in 1969 as part of the prestigious German label Deutsche Grammophon’s Avantgarde series—where a young Manfred Eicher of ECM fame once worked. Side A features three compositions by none other than John Cage, one of the most important avant-garde composers of the 20th century: Atlas Eclipticalis, Winter Music, and Cartridge Music. Side B is dedicated to Teil, a work by German composer Dieter Schnebel, who also taught experimental music at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin. Cage’s compositions on Side A are performed by an ensemble of 15 wind, string, and percussion instruments along with electronics. Unlike Cartridge Music, which captures and manipulates sounds via turntable cartridges, these pieces lean toward a more chamber music-like approach—making them especially compelling. Schnebel’s piece on Side B fascinates with its live concrete-style sound effects, blending spoken word with instrumental elements in a captivating sonic experience.
A3: John Cage “Cartridge Music”
B2: Dieter Schnebel “Teil II”