The Commission 1983 Directed by Woody Vasulka
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.
Release Date 1 January 1983
45 mins
Cast
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
Crew
Director
Writers
Editor
Visual Effects
Camera Operator
Director
Writers
Editor
Visual Effects
Camera Operator