The Great Learning

The first chapter of the Confucian Classic with music in seven paragraphs by Cornelius Cardew (dedicated to the Scratch Orchestra)

Extract from paragraph 5.

"the Firelighting Component from the book of Kwang-Sze. "In the second part of the performance I made it describe the harmony of the Yin and Yang, and threw around it the brilliance of the sun and moon. Its notes were now short, now long, now soft and now hard. Their changes however were marked by an unbroken unity, though not dominated by a fixed regularity. They filled up every valley and ravine; you might shut up every crevice and guard your spirit, yet there was nothing but gave admission to them. — the sun and moon and all the stars of the zodiac followed their courses. I made (my instruments) leave off when the performance came to an end, and their echoes flowed on without stopping. — all amazed, you stood in the way all open around you, and then you leant against an old dryandra tree and hummed. The power of your eyes was exhausted by what you wished to see; your strength failed in your desire to pursue it. Your body was but so much empty vacancy while you endeavoured to retain your self-possession:- it was that endeavour that made you weary"

For the realization of the seven paragraphs 70 performers are required - untrained singers and musicians and trained musicians and singers - from inside or outside any institution.

Groups have been rehearsing in Auckland and Christchurch, and in Wellington each Monday at 7.30pm 77 Kelburn Pde. Each group will make their way to Auckland in August, Universities Arts Festival collaborating in the complete performance, as well as other activities. Those interested phone 57263 ask Graeme or arrive at rehearsals on Monday.