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Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis

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Data source:

Research Catalog

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Image ID

5767496


Item data

Title

Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis

Collection

John Cage Music Manuscript Collection

Names

Cage, John (Composer)

Date / Origin

Date Created: 1961

Library Location

Music Division
Shelf locator: JPB 94-24 Folder 965 Originals

Subjects

Cage, John -- Manuscripts
Manuscripts, Musical
Musical sketches
Astronomy
Aleatory music
Orchestral music

Genres

Scores
Sketches

Notes

Numbering: Irregular pagination: Contains grouping of instruments ([4] p.), star chart tracings (p. 1-4, 262-264, 285-288, 293-296), and superimposition of music staves on star tracings (p. 75-76). At top of p. 293: timpani 3.
Language: Graphic notation.

Physical Description

Extent: [21] leaves ; 28 x 44 cm.
Holograph in ink with emendations in black and blue pencil.
Signed in pencil at bottom of p. 76.

Abstract

The composition means involved chance operations together with the placing of transparent templates on the pages of an astronomical atlas and inscribing the positions of stars. (Cf. Notes on compositions II, in John Cage: Writer / Kostelanetz.)

Identifiers

RLIN/OCLC: NYPG95-C307
NYPL Catalog ID (bnumber): b12590859
Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): 7147a250-29af-0133-cf99-60f81dd2b63c

Rights

The copyright and related rights status of this item has been reviewed by The New York Public Library, but we were unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the item. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.

Type Of Resource

Notated Music

Cite this item

MLA format

Music Division, The New York Public Library. "Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1961. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7147a250-29af-0133-cf99-60f81dd2b63c

APA format

Music Division, The New York Public Library. (1961). Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7147a250-29af-0133-cf99-60f81dd2b63c

Chicago/Turabian Format

Music Division, The New York Public Library. "Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis" New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed December 10, 2025. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7147a250-29af-0133-cf99-60f81dd2b63c

Wikipedia citation

<ref name=NYPL>{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/7147a250-29af-0133-cf99-60f81dd2b63c | title= (notated music) Sketches for Atlas eclipticalis (1961) | author=Digital Collections, The New York Public Library | accessdate=December 10, 2025 | publisher=The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations}}</ref>