Paik, Nam June.

Variations on a theme by Saint-Sans

What would be seen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gwUXLcRxHs
What would be heard?
The piece opens as a beautiful solo. After a few minutes, Moorman stops playing. You hear the
clink of instruments being put down and the scuffle of feet across the floor. Cameras click as
Charlotte moves on stage. You hear a loud splash and a pause. More clicks and scuffles And
the playing resumes, as beautiful as ever and now a piano can be clearly heard behind
Moormans playing. A man yells in the audience. The playing stops and the crowd applauds.
How was the performance structured over time?
It has a simple 3 part outline. It begins with Charlottes playing. Suddenly the piece stops and is
interjected by Charlotte dunking herself in a tank of water. Lastly, she resumes playing the piece
until the end.
What concepts influenced this work?
The music is based off of The Swan from Saint-Saenz Carnival of the Animals. It was created to
represent Paiks notion that sex and the spiritual world do not mix.
How is it similar to a classical cello performance?
The piece is performed with proper technique and played with great care. The cello is used to
create the sounds normally associated with itself.
How is it different?
It is widely differentiated by its interruption and addition of the dunking booth. The dress of the
performer is plastic and the instrument is wrapped in plastic as well.
Does it need to be for cello?
This variation of performance could be done with any instrument and with any piece.
Beuys, Joseph. Infiltration Homogen fr Cello
What would be seen?

A cello sewn shut in a grey felt covering. A red cross is attached to it.
What would be heard?
The Infiltration Homogen fur Cello is a sculpture only. It cannot be played and the performance
consists of attaching the red cross to the cellos exterior
How is it similar to a classical cello performance?
It retains the same shape as the cello.
How is it different?
It does not employ music and the cello does not leave its covering. A bow is not involved in the
performance.
Does it need to be for cello?
Yes, seeing as the sculpture employed is a specific work made out of a cello. Another similar
sculpture could be made from another instrument.
Higgins, Dick, Cello Sonata
What would be seen?

A large box with text reading, Do you believe that Charlotte Moorman is inside of this box?
Paik rolling around onstage in a barrel and then the box being removed.
What would be heard?
The placing of a large heavy box on the ground. Paiks violent noises as he rolls around on
stage and you may possibly have heard the removal of the box from the stage.
How was the performance structured over time?
It is relatively short with a basic outline of three separate acts occurring in sequence.
How is it similar to a classical cello performance?
The only similarity that I see is a performer with a cello is on the stage at a certain point.
How is it different?
Very dissimilar. It involves no typical music or score and no formal structure or dress.
Does it need to be for cello?
No, the shrouding of the performer in the box eliminates the need for a performer at all, at least
in the eyes of the audience.