JPER
4204

John Zorn’s COBRA

College of Performing Arts: Jazz

Non-Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Majors Only
John Zorn’s COBRA
Fall 2024
Taught By: Brian Marsella
Section: A

CRN: 12917

Credits: 2

American composer/multi-instrumentalist John Zorn composed COBRA in 1984. The work, which has been performed regularly since, is elusive to describe. Commonly referred to as a “game piece”, it is at once a composition, a framework for performance and a set of rules that organize a group of musicians into a community of sound. What sets Zorn’s game pieces apart is the intensity and degree of freedom and choice given to all members of the ensemble. Rather than a conductor who dictates interpretation or a score/lead sheet that specifies the music to be played, COBRA is led by a “prompter” who facilitates communication within the community-ensemble. All musical choices are determined through an intricate and delicate democratic process undertaken by all the members of the ensemble. In this course, students will engage over the course of the semester to explore the sonic landscape of COBRA. Students will discuss and explore other of Zorn’s game pieces in order to develop a broader and deeper understanding of the intricate rules and structures that govern them. The course will culminate in a performance of COBRA. Registration in this course signs you up for an audition and does not guarantee you a permanent spot.

College: College of Performing Arts (CO)

Department: Jazz (JZZ)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Studio (S)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 30

Repeat Limit: 8

Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2024 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2024 (Sunday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 7:20pm EST 12/13/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Building: Arnhold Hall 55 W13th
Room: 545
Date Range: 8/26/2024 - 8/26/2024
Days: Monday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Building: Arnhold Hall 55 W13th
Room: 545
Date Range: 10/7/2024 - 12/2/2024