IMAGINARY MUSIC (1974, fourth printing
2001)
104 drawings with music notation symbols, many of which have been
reprinted in magazines and as program covers. Perhaps the best
known is the "Celestial Music for Imaginary Trumpets,"
which ascends 103 ledger lines above the treble clef. Originally
published in English only, a fourth printing of the volume is
now available, with the titles in English and Spanish. $24
SELF-SIMILAR MELODIES (1996)
The theory of the logical and mathematical techniques used by
the composer: finite and infinite automata. the paper-folding
formula, "self-replicating" melodies, etc. A rather
detailed discussion, 291 pages, with many new melodies, written
to demonstrate the techniques used. $24
An appreciation of the connection between
mathematics and music dates back at least to Pythagoras, but rarely
does one have a chance to explore that connection in such intimate
detail as in these bracing pages. Composer Tom Johnson weaves
back and forth between notes and numbers, delighting in patterns
that lead up to self-similarity (the basic of fractal geometry).
Some familiarity with both sides of the topic is a prerequisite;
committed readers will, however, receive a unique aesthetic education.
Scientific American, May 1997
See table
of contents.
See review
by David Feldman.
THE VOICE OF NEW MUSIC (1991)
An anthology of articles on the evolution of minimal music in
New York in 1972-1982, which originally appeared in the Village
Voice. Published originally by Apollohuis, in Eindhoven, Holland,
and now
availabe as a free download.
The Voice of New Music (PDF format, preferred) [888 KB]
The Voice of New Music (Microsoft Word format) [1.1 MB]
Please let the author know by e-mail
your opinion on this new edition.