- Date: 1963
- Composer: Robert Ashley
- Period: Modern (1910-1949)
Review
Composed in 1963, this piece is scored for 20 or more wind or string or other sustaining instruments in five or more groups of four or more instruments per group.The graphic score is notated in the form of a circle with 64 numbered radii. Various small symbols indicate juxtapositions of even and odd, regular and irregular, the durations of sound and silence given in the notation, and, especially of different "states of ensemble [e.g., as noisy/dissonant as possible, as pure/harmonious as possible]".
An orchestra of "organic groups" is created: "The purpose is, perhaps, not just a new 'freedom' for the individual performer" ... a performer chooses the sounds he/she makes ... "but a contemporary "freedom-obligation' that can bring the performer back into the orchestra with a more imaginative role"... the sound is contributed to the overall ensemble sound-density of that performer's particular instrumental group.
The resultant massed orchestral sound is one of a constantly fascinating field of extremes of sound in motion. Crazy Horse was the Native American leader who figured out the strategy of surrounding an enemy in concert, rather than having the forces acting as independent warriors as had previously been the case.
"in memoriam Crazy Horse (symphony" is one of four pieces written at this same time which describe in musical dynamics both societal and musical forms - the others are "in memoriam ... Estaban Gomez (quartet) for four players", "in memoriam ... John Smith (concerto) for three players and assistants" and "in memoriam ... Kit Carson (opera) for eight-part ensemble". ~ "Blue" Gene Tyranny, All Music Guide
Albums with Complete Performances of the Work
| Title | Date |
| Music from the Once Festival 1961-1966 | 2003 |
