Atlas Eclipticalis

Works by John Cage and Earle Brown

-Atlas Eclipticalis (1961–62) is a large-scale indeterminate work by John Cage derived from astronomical star charts and realized through chance procedures. This recording centers on Cage’s composition while situating it alongside related works that reflect parallel developments in open-form practice.

The program includes Cage’s Variations IV, 0’00”, Radio Music, and the piano work Winter Music, as well as Earle Brown’s November 1952 and December 1952 from the Folio collection.

Many of the works allow significant performer agency, with electronics – including ring modulation – extending the sonic field and adding distinctive texture. The pairing of Atlas Eclipticalis with Winter Music brings two indeterminate systems into a single realization; Cage encouraged the two works to be combined, and they are often performed together. In this recording, Winter Music is performed by two pianos.

Released on Simple Harmonic Motion Records in 2025.