poster
The Commission
First aired on Jan 1, 1983
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Genres:

This work is Woody's first entry into the narrative sphere, whereby the "story" is continually undermined with the aid of various anti-narrative strategies: In each of the eleven segments of this "electronic opera", different effects are used. Fascinated with the remarkable personality of infamous violinist Niccola Paganini and his complicated relationship to Hector Berlioz (played by artists Ernie Gusella and Robert Ashley, respectively), the author meditates over the intricacies of artistic geniality as connected not only with fame but also with the necessity of painful survival under the pressures of the art market.

Featured Cast: click image to view more
Robert Ashley | Hector Berlioz
Ernest Gusella | Niccolo Paganini
Cosimo Corsano | The Mortician
Ben Harris | Paganini's Son
Andrea Harris | The Voice
David Ossman | The Narrator
Featured Crew
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Steina Vasulka | Camera Operator
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Peter Kirby | Editor
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Ernest Gusella | Writer
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Robert Ashley | Writer
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Jeff Schier | Effects Supervisor
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Woody Vasulka | Director