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Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley 1974

★ 5.52 votes840 min📅 1974-06-07

Dive into the avant-garde world of *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley (1974)*, a groundbreaking documentary series directed by Philip Makanna.

Director: Philip Makanna

Cast

Robert Ashley
Robert Ashley
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Pauline Oliveros
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Alvin Lucier
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Gordon Mumma
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David Behrman
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Terry Riley
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Philip Glass
Philip Glass
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley* (1974) about?

This seven-part experimental documentary series profiles Robert Ashley's avant-garde collaborators through interviews, performances, and personal reflections. Each episode focuses on a different figure from the experimental music scene, culminating in an intimate portrait of Ashley himself.

Who directed *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley*?

The series was directed by Philip Makanna, who captured the raw energy of Ashley's vision through a television lens.

Who stars in *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley*?

The film features Robert Ashley alongside notable experimental musicians like Pauline Oliveros, Alvin Lucier, Gordon Mumma, David Behrman, and Terry Riley.

Is *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley* (1974) worth watching?

For those fascinated by experimental music and its pioneers, this series is a treasure. While niche, its innovative approach to blending art and medium offers a unique experience that rewards patient viewers.

How long is *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley*?

The series spans a total runtime of 840 minutes, divided into seven two-hour episodes.

About Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley (1974) — Experimental Music Meets Television Artistry

Dive into the avant-garde world of *Music with Roots in the Aether: Opera for Television by Robert Ashley (1974)*, a groundbreaking documentary series directed by Philip Makanna. This seven-part experimental opera weaves together interviews, performances, and intimate explorations of Ashley's contemporaries in the experimental music scene, including Alvin Lucier, Pauline Oliveros, and Terry Riley. Each two-hour episode transforms television into a stage for radical soundscapes and thought-provoking dialogues, blending art and technology in ways that feel as relevant today as they did in the 1970s. The film captures the raw energy of an era when boundaries between disciplines were dissolving, offering a hypnotic glimpse into the minds shaping modern music.

At its core, *Music with Roots in the Aether* is a celebration of artistic collaboration and creative rebellion. Ashley's vision transcends traditional documentary conventions, inviting viewers into a shared space where music, conversation, and visual storytelling merge into a singular experience. Whether you're a fan of experimental art or simply curious about the pioneers of electronic and minimalist music, this series provides an unfiltered look at the creative process—one that's as immersive as it is intellectually stimulating.