The Japanese Garden Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) is believed to date back to the 15th century and is the only garden created by Zen monks to remain intact. Typical of this style, called "karesansui", is the extremely sober design by means of stones and sand. These elements symbolize, as it were, the landscape that has been reduced to its essence. Monks used these types of gardens for contemplation. In
… 1962 John Cage visited Ryoanji. The visit made a deep impression on him, which he incorporated through a number of compositions, called "Ryoanji". These works consist of slowly moving glissandi between different pitches, which symbolize the fifteen large stones in the garden, as it were. "Ryoanji" has been released on CD in a version for double bass, flute, trombone, oboe, voice and percussion. Performers include Eberhard Blum (flute) and Jan Williams (percussion). (HJ) _more
