This double CD represents a rare 1977 appearance in Milan by John Cage, performing a solo vocal work based on the writing of Henry David Thoreau. Using reduction and abstraction of the text, he turns the text into pure vocal sound and stretches the monologue over three hours. As a documentary piece this work is astonishing, as the restless crowd of students insights a protest performance in front of the great American composer. The booklet contains previously unpublished photographs of the event and liner notes by Allen S.Weiss. – Sylvie Harrison