Events by George Maciunas
Note on the Graph Scores: The first scores in this section are printed
here as a list of words. The way they are to be performed is that a graph
chart is set up, with the words running down the side axis. Across the
top, numbers are filled in with time designated in blocks of seconds. The
score is filled in some manner. Then, when the performance time for each
action comes up, that action is performed to generate sound. (See illustration
for an example.)
Duet for C on Bass Sordune, Voice and Old Score
C on sordune
scratch score
shake score
throw or drop score
strike pile of scores
strike suspended score
wrinkled score
pierce score
cut score
rip score
throat voice pitched
throat voice not pitched
gargle
drink
lips-teeth pitched
lips-teeth not pitched
hiss
lip-fart
sip
rinse mouth
spit
blow
smack lips
whistle
1962
Solo for Violin (For Sylvano Bussotti)
play any sentimental tune
scrape strings with a nail
loosen strings and pluck
break string by over tensioning peg
insert bow between strings & sound board & oscillate bow
hold bow to shoulders & bow with violin
strike with bow over sound board
scrape inside of sound box with bow
blow through sound holes
put pebbles inside sound box and shake violin
scrape floor with violin
push-pull violin over table or floor
scratch violin with sharp tool
saw violin or part of it
drill violin
drive a nail into violin
hammer violin with hammer
bite violin
step over violin and crush it
rip violin apart
drop violin over floor
throw violin or parts of it to the audience
1962
12 Piano Compositions for Nam June Paik
Composition No. 1 Let piano movers carry piano into the stage.
Composition No. 2 Tune the piano.
Composition No. 3 Paint with orange paint patterns over the piano.
Composition No. 4 Using a straight stick the length of the keyboard
sound all keys together.
Composition No. 5 Place a dog or cat (or both) inside the piano
and play Chopin.
Composition No. 6 Stretch the 3 highest strings with a tuning
key until they break.
Composition No. 7 Place one piano on top of another (one can be
smaller).
Composition No. 8 Place piano upside down and put a vase with
flowers over the sound box.
Composition No. 9 Draw a picture of a piano so that the audience
can see the picture.
Composition No. 10 Write a sign reading: piano composition no.
10 and show the audience the sign
Composition No. 11 Wash the piano, wax and polish it well.
Composition No. 12 Let piano movers carry the piano out of the
stage.
1962
In Memoriam to Adriano Olivetti
Performers use old adding machine tape as a score. Each number on the tape
represents a metronome beat. Each performer is assigned a number. When
his number appears, he performs upon the beat. Performance can consist
of actions (raising and replacing hat, shaking fist, making faces, etc.)
or sounds (tongue clicks, pops, smacks, lip farts, etc.) Performers may
all perform same action or different, or all perform same sound or different.
Performers should practice their assigned sound or action so that each
can perform clearly -- sharp, defined action or sound, loud if sound, in
time with beat.
1962
Solo for Violin
Old classic is performed on a violin. Where pauses are called, violin is
mistreated by scratching the floor with it, dropping pebbles through f
hole, pulling out pegs, etc.
1962
Solo for Conductor
Conductor enters and takes a deep bow toward the audience. He remains bowed
while he performs various acts with his hands at floor level, such as:
tie shoe laces, straighten out socks, wipe shoes with cloth, pick up little
specks from floor, etc. Performance ends when conductor straightens up
and exits.
1965
Duet for Full Bottle and Wine Glass
shaking
slow dripping
fast dripping
small stream
pouring
splashing
opening corked bottle
roll bottle
drop bottle
strike bottle with glass
break glass
gargle
drink
sipping
rinsing mouth
spitting
Date unknown
Solo for Rich Man
shaking coins
dropping coins
striking coins
wrinkling paper money
fast ripping of paper money
slow ripping of paper money
striking paper money
throwing coins
Date unknown