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3 unusual facts about Robert Ashley


John Barton Wolgamot

Wolgamot’s status as a cult figure has been enhanced in recent decades by musical compositions by Robert Ashley and Tortoise in which his work, if not celebrated outright, is heavily referenced.

Live electronic music

Robert Ashley - Wolfman (1964), Lecture Series (1965), Purposeful Lady Slow Afternoon (1968)

Văn Cao

In 1991 the American composer Robert Ashley composed the solo piano piece Van Cao's Meditation, which is based on the image of Văn Cao playing his piano.


Gene Tyranny

He has performed on albums by Laurie Anderson (Strange Angels), David Behrman (On the Other Ocean), John Cage (Cheap Imitation and Empty Words), Peter Gordon, and Robert Ashley (Perfect Lives), with whom he frequently collaborates.

Lovely Music

Composers represented on the label include Johnson's husband Robert Ashley (most of whose major works are in its catalog), as well as David Behrman, Alvin Lucier, Paul Dresher, William Duckworth, Jon Hassell, Joan La Barbara, David Tudor, Peter Gordon, and Meredith Monk, among others.


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