Cornelius Cardew Quotes

United Kingdom, Composer
May 7, 1936 – December, 13, 1981.

Cornelius Cardew was an English experimental music composer, and founder (with Howard Skempton and Michael Parsons) of the Scratch Orchestra, an experimental performing ensemble. He later rejected experimental music, explaining why he had "discontinued composing in an avantgarde idiom" in his own programme notes to his Piano Album 1973 in favour of a politically motivated "people's liberation music".

Also known as Founder

The score must govern the music. It must have authority, and not merely be an arbitrary jumping-off point for improvisation.

Cornelius Cardew AMM
Bear in mind that parts of the score may be devoid of direct musical relevance.

Cornelius Cardew AMM
- Mind
- Musical
- Direct

“The desire always to be right is an ignoble taskmaster, as is the desire for immortality. The performance of any vital action brings us closer to death; if it didn't it would lack vitality. Life is a force to be used and if necessary used up.”

Cornelius Cardew AMM
- Life
- Death
- Immortality
The notation is more important than the sound. Not the exactitude and success with which a notation notates a sound; but the musicalness of the notation in its notating.

Cornelius Cardew AMM
A Composer who hears sounds will try to find a notation for sounds. One who has ideas will find one that expresses his ideas, leaving their interpretation free, in confidence that his ideas have been accurately and concisely notated.

Cornelius Cardew AMM
- Trying
- Ideas
- Leaving