Yoko Ono - The Experimentalist

After taking a long break from this blog. I am starting my new post today by introducing an experimentalist who I discovered recently, this composer is non other than John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono. John Lennon, by the way was a member of the Beatles and also a peace activist.

I come across some compositions by Yoko Ono. Her style of 20th century art music were very unique as she created a fusion by mixing elements of pop music (for example the rock drum rhythms) and indeterminacy. From my point of view, this fusion of Yoko Ono was possible due to her relationship with John Lennon and also her friendship with Ichiyanagi Toshi (Student of John Cage). Ichiyanagi Toshi was the one who brought Yoko Ono into the world of John Cage.

Among many of Yoko Ono's works, the work titled "Why!!!" amazed me the most. This work was composed after the assassination of John Lennon in December 1980 by one of his crazy fan outside his Apartment building in New York. Basically, the work consisted of standard rock music accompaniment with a series of female voice shouting "Why!!" and female sound effect that sounded like "lead guitar lick". Some people may think that it is kind of like a mad woman shouting without any sense, however, I find that the voice is the part that give the soul to the music, without it, the music will not sound as unique anymore.

Another interesting work by Yoko Ono was titled "Fly" for solo female voice . The female voice imitates the sound of a fly, it is to be performed with a live fly being put on the performer's feet to enhanced the performance of the music.

The sound world of Yoko Ono is really unique and I hope from this discussion I am able to introduce this "hidden" great artist to more people. Happy Listening!!!

You can have a listen to works by Yoko Ono here:
Why!!! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4EVj76htYs
Fly - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NANDNspWDJc&feature=related