(The Commission)

Content: 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.

Countries:

United States of America

Genres:

Runtime:

45 minutes

Year:

1983

Directors:

Woody Vasulka

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Production companies:

New Mexico Arts Division,

National Endowment for the Arts

Actors:

Hector Berlioz

Niccolo Paganini

The Mortician

Paganini's Son

The Voice

Crews:

Camera Operator

Editor

Writer

Writer

Effects Supervisor