The Commission

The Commission — Plot

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
• January 1, 1983
• Runtime
• 45 min
• Director
• Woody Vasulka

The Commission — Cast

Robert Ashley Hector Berlioz Ernest Gusella Niccolo Paganini

C

Cosimo Corsano The Mortician

B

Ben Harris Paganini's Son

A

Andrea Harris The Voice

D

David Ossman The Narrator