The Commission

The Commission (1983)

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.

Director: Woody Vasulka

Casts

	Robert Ashley as Hector Berlioz
	Ernest Gusella as Niccolo Paganini
	Cosimo Corsano as The Mortician
	Ben Harris as Paganini's Son
	Andrea Harris as The Voice
	David Ossman as The Narrator

Crew