Author Description

A Pictures Book for John Cage Xmas 1984 is a facsimile edition of a spiralbound notebook filled with choreographic notation by Merce Cunningham (1919-2009), a leader of the American avant-garde throughout his 70-year career and one of the most important choreographers and dancers of all time. This previously unpublished document is one of the most extensive elaborations of Cunningham's choreographic notation in print, offering a rare glimpse into his methods, and in particular the stage work Pictures (1984). Originally presented as a holiday gift from Cunningham to his lifetime partner, John Cage, this lovingly reproduced edition now in turn serves as a gift from the John Cage Trust to the Cunningham Dance Foundation, on the occasion of the dance company's final performance, New Year's Eve 2011. With exquisite color notations that blend drawing and dance, it will also make a perfect gift for any fan of modern art or music.