March 8, 1934:
Christian George Wolff is born in Nice, Republic of France, the only child of Kurt Wolff, a well-known publisher, and Helen Mosel, emigrants from Nazi Germany.
January 21, 1951:
Trio (I) for flute, trumpet, and cello by Christian Wolff (16) is performed for the first time, in New York.
July 5, 1951:
Music of Changes part 1 for piano by John Cage (38) is performed for the first time, at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Also premiered are Two Intermissions and Intermission 3 for piano by Morton Feldman (25), and For Prepared Piano by Christian Wolff (17). Earle (24) and Carolyn Brown are in the audience. During his stay in Denver, Tudor will introduce the Browns to Joseph Campbell and Jean Erdman. In a few weeks, the Browns will be in New York visiting Cage. “In a single afternoon and evening, prefaced by our two meetings in Denver, I’d made John Cage my guru and probably my hero as well.” (Larson, 208) See 1 January 1952.
February 10, 1952:
Two Pastorales for prepared piano by John Cage (39) is performed completely for the first time, in the Cherry Lane Theatre, New York. Also premiered are Fugue for David Tudor for piano by Lou Harrison (34), Intermission 4 and Intermission 5 for piano by Morton Feldman (26), Three Pieces for Piano by Earle Brown (25), and For Piano (I) by Christian Wolff (17). It is the first complete performance of Feldman’s Intermissions 1-5. See 5 July 1951 and 9 December 1951.
March 24, 1953:
For Magnetic Tape by Christian Wolff (18) is performed for the first time, at the University of Illinois for a dance by Merce Cunningham called Suite by Chance.
April 9, 1954:
John Cage writes to Helen Wolff (the mother of Christian Wolff (20)) about his composition 4’33”, “What we hear is determined by our own emptiness, our own receptivity; we receive to the extent we are empty to do so.” “I also consulted the I-Ching after receiving your letter and got Exhaustion (47). 4’33” is also a matter of consultation. Each person present will receive his own hexagram.”
April 20, 1956:
Suite (I) for pepared piano by Christian Wolff (22) is performed for the first time, at Harvard University.
April 30, 1957:
Two works by Morton Feldman (31) are performed for the first time, in Carl Fischer Concert Hall, New York: Extensions 4 for three pianos, and Piece for Four Pianos. Also premiered is Sonata for three pianos by Christian Wolff (23) played by David Tudor, John Cage (44), and William Masselos.
December 15, 1957:
Piano (Three Hands) and Two Pianos, both by Morton Feldman (31) are performed for the first time, in Paine Hall of Harvard University by John Cage (45) and David Tudor. Also premiered is Duo for Pianists I by Christian Wolff (23).
September 3, 1958:
Connected to his lectures at Darmstadt, John Cage (45) and David Tudor perform the European premieres of several works by Cage, Morton Feldman (32), Earle Brown (31), and the world premiere of Duo for Pianists II by Christian Wolff (24). The audience is in an uproar, mostly consisting of laughter. During these days in Darmstadt, Cage first meets Nam June Paik (26).
June 11, 1959:
Christian Wolff (25) enters the United States Army as a noncombatant as he arrives at Fort Sam Houston to train as a medic.
August 14, 1959:
Music for Merce Cunningham (aka For Six or Seven Players) by Christian Wolff (25) is performed for the first time, to a dance by the dedicatee, at Connecticut College for Women, New London, directed by John Cage (46).
October 28, 1959:
For Pianist by Christian Wolff (25) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
October 6, 1960:
Cartridge Music for amplified sounds by John Cage (48) is performed before a live audience for the first time, at Mary Bauermeister’s Studio in Cologne. Among the performers are Cornelius Cardew (24), Christian Wolff (26), Nam June Paik (28), and David Tudor. Simultaneously, the composer performs his Solo for Voice 2. During the premiere of Nam June Paik’s Etude for Piano, Paik suddenly rises from the piano and enters the audience, attacking Cage and Tudor, shredding Cage’s clothes with scissors, then leaving the hall. See 15 September 1960.
October 14, 1961:
Duo for Violinist and Pianist by Christian Wolff (27) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
April 6, 1963:
Nine for flute, clarinet, horn, trumpet, trombone, celesta, piano, and two cellos by Christian Wolff (28) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
April 8, 1963:
For 5 or 10 Players by Christian Wolff (29) is performed presumably for the first time, at the University of Illinois.
September 9, 1963:
Vexations for piano solo by Erik Satie (†38) is performed, possibly for the first time, in New York. The performance begins at 18:00 with a relay of ten pianists including John Cage (51), David Tudor, Christian Wolff (29), James Tenney (29), John Cale, David Del Tredici (26), and Joshua Rifkin. Andy Warhol is in attendance and the experience has a major influence on his work.
December 12, 1963:
In Between Pieces by Christian Wolff (29) is performed for the first time, at Brandeis University.
September 3, 1964:
Septet for seven players and conductor by Christian Wolff (30) is performed for the first time, in New York, directed by Alvin Lucier (33).
February 22, 1965:
Trio II for piano-four hands and percussion by Christian Wolff (30) is performed for the first time, in Cambridge, Massachusetts by John Cage (52), David Tudor, and the composer.
August 1, 1965:
Christian Wolff (31) marries Holly Nash.
March 5, 1966:
Quartet for four horns by Christian Wolff (31) is performed for the first time, at Harvard University.
March 25, 1966:
Christian Wolff in Cambridge, a vocalise for chorus by Morton Feldman (40), is performed for the first time, at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts directed by Alvin Lucier (34).
June 20, 1966:
The Possibility of a New Work for Electric Guitar by Morton Feldman (40) is performed for the first time, in the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center by Christian Wolff (32).
July 29, 1966:
Electric Spring 2 by Christian Wolff (32) is performed for the first time, in San Francisco.
May 1, 1967:
Diastasis, As in Beer for two cybersonic guitars by Gordon Mumma (32) is performed for the first time, at Harvard University by the composer and Christian Wolff (33).
May 4, 1967:
Electric Spring 3 for violin, horn, electric guitar, and electric bass by Christian Wolff (33) is performed for the first time, by David Behrman, Gordon Mumma (32), John Nash, and the composer.
December 12, 1967:
Nightpiece from The Tiger’s Mind by Cornelius Cardew (31) is performed for the first time, in London. Among the performers is Christian Wolff (33). See 30 October 1967.
May 22, 1968:
Two works by Christian Wolff (34) are performed for the first time, at a Music Now concert in the International Students House of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, directed by the composer: Edges for any players, and Play.
February 17, 1969:
Tilbury for piano by Christian Wolff (34) is performed for the first time, in a Music Now concert in Purcell Room, London by John Tilbury.
May 6, 1972:
Lines for string quartet or other ensemble by Christian Wolff (38) is performed for the first time, in Bremen.
July 28, 1972:
Christian Wolff (38) begins three days of lectures at Darmstadt. He talks for two hours in German and English each afternoon.
August 31, 1972:
Pianos and Voices for five pianos and five female voices by Morton Feldman (46) is performed for the first time, in Munich, commissioned for the Olympic Games. Among the performers are Cornelius Cardew (36), Christian Wolff (38), and the composer.
October 24, 1972:
Accompaniments for piano with voice and percussion by Christian Wolff (38) is performed for the first time, in New York by Frederic Rzewski (34).
April 15, 1973:
An all-Christian Wolff (39) concert is given at SUNY Buffalo organized by Morton Feldman (47).
April 29, 1973:
Changing the System for eight or more players by Christian Wolff (39) is performed for the first time, in Alice Tully Hall, New York.
March 9, 1974:
Some of the Exercises 1-14 for two or more players by Christian Wolff (40) are performed for the first time, in New York. See 29 September 1974.
May 26, 1974:
Some of the Songs for solo or unison Voices by Christian Wolff (40) are performed for the first time, in New York.
July 22, 1974:
Christian Wolff (40) begins five days of lectures at Darmstadt.
September 29, 1974:
From today through 2 October, the Exercises 1-14 for two or more players by Christian Wolff (40) are performed completely for the first time, in Berlin. Among the performers are Cornelius Cardew (38), Gordon Mumma (39), Frederic Rzewski (36), and the composer. There is also the first complete performance of Wolff's Songs. See 9 March 1974 and 26 May 1974.
February 20, 1976:
Studies for piano by Christian Wolff (41) is performed for the first time, in Bakersfield, California.
February 27, 1976:
Wobbly Music for chorus, keyboard, guitar(s), and two or more melody instruments by Christian Wolff (41) is performed for the first time, in Connecticut.
March 30, 1976:
String Quartet Exercises Out of Songs by Christian Wolff (42) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
November 6, 1976:
Bread and Roses for violin by Christian Wolff (42) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College.
March 7, 1978:
Dark as a Dungeon for trombone and double bass by Christian Wolff is performed for the first time, at SUNY Buffalo, on the eve of his 44th birthday.
March 16, 1978:
Braverman Music for four or more players by Christian Wolff (44) is performed for the first time, in Keele.
April 27, 1978:
Cello Song Variations for cello by Christian Wolff (44) is performed for the first time, in London.
December 12, 1979:
Hay Una Mujer Desaparecida for piano by Christian Wolff (45) is performed for the first time, in Boston.
October 12, 1980:
Exercises 19&20 for two pianos by Christian Wolff (46) is performed for the first time, in London by Ursula Oppens and Frederic Rzewski (42).
March 8, 1981:
Exercise 21 for piano-four hands by Christian Wolff is performed for the first time, in Hartford, Connecticut by Usula Oppens and the composer on his 47th birthday.
May 19, 1981:
Three Pieces for violin and viola by Christian Wolff (47) is performed for the first time, in New York.
July 12, 1982:
Preludes 1-11 for piano by Christian Wolff (48) is performed for the first time, in Chicago.
September 18, 1982:
Exercise 22 for piano-four hands by Christian Wolff (48) is performed for the first time, in Minneapolis by David Tudor and the composer.
November 18, 1983:
Stardust Pieces for cello and piano by Christian Wolff (49) is performed for the first time, in Huddersfield, Great Britain.
January 19, 1984:
Eisler Ensemble Pieces for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano by Christian Wolff (49) is performed for the first time, in London.
March 17, 1984:
Peace March 1 for flute, Peace March 2 for flute, clarinet, cello, percussion, and piano, and Peace March 3 for flute, cello, and percussion by Christian Wolff (50) are performed for the first time, in London.
May 18, 1984:
Piano Song for piano by Christian Wolff (50) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
September 28, 1985:
Instrumental Exercises with Peace March 4 for two clarinets, two keyboards, violin, cello, electric bass, and percussion by Christian Wolff (51) is performed for the first time, in Norfolk.
January 21, 1986:
Bowery Preludes for flute, trombone, percussion, and piano by Christian Wolff (51) is performed for the first time, in New York.
May 1, 1986:
I Like to Think of Harriet Tubman for female voices with instruments by Christian Wolff (52) is performed for the first time, in Essex.
July 23, 1986:
For Christian Wolff for flute and piano/celesta by Morton Feldman (60) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
December 8, 1986:
Exercise 24 for chamber orchestra and Exercise 25 for orchestra by Christian Wolff (52) are performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
April 27, 1987:
Black Song Organ Preludes for organ by Christian Wolff (53) is performed for the first time, in Chicago.
July 11, 1987:
Long Peace March for eleven players by Christian Wolff (53) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
December 11, 1987:
For Morty for glockenspiel, vibraphone, and piano by Christian Wolff (53) is performed for the first time, in Connecticut.
December 20, 1987:
The Death of Mother Jones for violin by Christian Wolff (53) is performed for the first time, in New York.
May 14, 1988:
From Leaning Forward for two solo voices, clarinet, and cello by Christian Wolff (54) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College.
November 8, 1988:
Digger Song for violin, viola, cello, and percussion by Christian Wolff (54) is performed for the first time, at Harvard University.
February 11, 1989:
Emma for viola, cello, and piano by Christian Wolff (54) is performed for the first time, in Connecticut.
June 27, 1989:
Mayday for tape by Christian Wolff (55) is performed for the first time, in Milan.
December 7, 1989:
Malvina for koto by Christian Wolff (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
April 24, 1990:
Rosas for percussion and piano by Christian Wolff (56) is performed for the first time, in Witten.
March 9, 1991:
Eight Days a Week Variation for piano by Christian Wolff (57) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
April 2, 1991:
Look She Said for double bass by Christian Wolff (57) is performed for the first time, in Buffalo.
April 28, 1991:
For Si for clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, and cello by Christian Wolff (57) is performed for the first time, in Toronto.
May 7, 1991:
Rukus for saxophone, electric guitar, and double bass by Christian Wolff (57) is performed for the first time, in Frankfurt.
February 2, 1992:
Kegama for clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, and cello by Christian Wolff (57) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
April 1, 1992:
Tuba Song for one or two tubas by Christian Wolff (58) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College.
August 16, 1992:
Ruth for trombone and piano by Christian Wolff (58) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
March 29, 1993:
Merce for 1-9 percussionists by Christian Wolff (59) is performed for the first time, in Albuquerque.
April 7, 1993:
Six Melodies Variation for violin by Christian Wolff (59) is performed for the first time, at the University of Akron.
July 4, 1993:
Exercise X for seven or more players by Christian Wolff (59) is performed for the first time, in Bern.
June 15, 1994:
Or 4 People for 1-4 players by Christian Wolff (60) is performed for the first time, in Groningen.
June 16, 1994:
Ain't Gonna Study War no More for timpani and marimba by Christian Wolff (60) is performed for the first time, in New York.
August 28, 1994:
Flutist and Guitarist by Christian Wolff (60) is performed for the first time, in Rümlingen, Switzerland.
November 4, 1994:
Two Pianists by Christian Wolff (60) is performed for the first time, in Vienna by Ursula Oppens and Frederic Rzewski (56).
March 1, 1995:
Pieces for Julius for flute, horn, viola, and cello by Christian Wolff (60) is performed for the first time, in Aarau, Switzerland.
March 9, 1995:
Aarau Songs for clarinet, two violins, viola, and cello by Christian Wolff (61) is performed for the first time, in Aarau, Switzerland.
March 15, 1995:
Percussionist Songs for one percussionist by Christian Wolff (61) is performed for the first time, in Stockholm.
May 23, 1995:
Spring for chamber orchestra by Christian Wolff (61) is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 14, 1995:
Bratislava for eight players by Christian Wolff is performed for the first time, in Bratislava.
February 25, 1996:
Jasper for violin and double bass by Christian Wolff (61) is performed for the first time, in Connecticut.
May 1, 1998:
Trio III for violin, percussion, and piano by Christian Wolff (64) is performed for the first time, in Oakland, California.
June 12, 1998:
Percussionist Dances for percussion by Christian Wolff (64) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
August 13, 1998:
Violist and Percussionist by Christian Wolff (64) is performed for the first time.
October 16, 1998:
John, David for percussion and orchestra by Christian Wolff (64) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen.
February 6, 1999:
Memory for flute, clarinet, horn, harp, violin, viola, and cello by Christian Wolff (64) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
March 8, 1999:
Two works by Christian Wolff are performed for the first time, in Amsterdam, on his 65th birthday: Violist Pieces, and Schoenen met Veters for seven players.
October 8, 1999:
Pebbles for violin and piano by Christian Wolff (65) is performed for the first time, in Toronto.
October 17, 1999:
Ghent Song for four recorder players and percussion by Christian Wolff (65) is performed for the first time, in Kortrijk, Belgium.
May 29, 2000:
Fall I & II for three and six players by Christian Wolff (66) is performed for the first time, in Munich.
June 9, 2000:
Two works by Christian Wolff (66) are performed for the first time, in Berlin: Berlin Exercises for four or more players, and Vergnügungen for chorus with optional instruments.
June 21, 2000:
Cello Suite Variation for cello by Christian Wolff (66) is performed for the first time, in Kromeríz, Czech Republic.
July 19, 2000:
New works for Theremin are performed for the first time, at Lincoln Center, New York: Suite for Theremin and Ensemble from “Bählamms Fest” by Olga Neuwirth (31), and exercise 28 for theremin, violin, horn, and bass by Christian Wolff (66).
February 3, 2001:
Mosaic Trio for trumpet, violin, and piano by Christian Wolff (66) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
February 4, 2001:
Boras Song for horn, trumpet, violin, and piano by Christian Wolff (66) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
April 4, 2001:
Pianist: Pieces by Christian Wolff (67) is performed for the first time, in Kassel.
August 27, 2001:
Ordinary Matter for 1-3 orchestra by Christian Wolff (67) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
February 1, 2002:
Moving Spaces for 2-4 players and electronics by Christian Wolff (67) is performed for the first time, at the University of California at Berkeley.
February 10, 2002:
Fragment for two pianos by Christian Wolff (67) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
March 9, 2002:
Variation for trumpet, percussion, double bass, and electronics by Christian Wolff (68) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
June 7, 2002:
She Had Some Horses for zither and viola by Christian Wolff (68) is performed for the first time, in Munich.
September 26, 2002:
Apartment House Exercise for four or more players by Christian Wolff (68) is performed for the first time, in Huddersfield, Great Britain.
December 17, 2002:
Peace March 8 for orchestra by Christian Wolff (68) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 10, 2003:
Wesleyan Organ Song for organ by Christian Wolff (69) is performed for the first time, in Connecticut.
May 1, 2003:
Peace March 9 for brass and percussion by Christian Wolff (69) is performed for the first time, in Wisconsin.
June 9, 2003:
Balancing for accordion by Christian Wolff (69) is performed for the first time, in Munich.
August 25, 2003:
Flutist (with Percussionists) by Christian Wolff (69) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
September 30, 2003:
Touch for piano by Christian Wolff (69) is performed for the first time, in San Francisco.
January 30, 2004:
Ninety-six for quintet by Frederick Rzewski (65) is performed for the first time, at a concert to honor Elliott Carter (95) at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Center, New York. Also premiered is for ec for string quartet by Christian Wolff (69).
March 16, 2004:
John Heartfield (Peace March 10) for four or more players and one or more voices by Christian Wolff (70) is performed for the first time, in Ghent.
May 30, 2004:
For John Ashbery's Hölderlin Marginalia for violin and two pianos by Christian Wolff (70) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of Sveriges Radio.
October 9, 2004:
Another Possibility for electric guitar by Christian Wolff (70) is performed for the first time, in Amsterdam.
April 11, 2005:
Madrigals for three voices and/or instruments by Christian Wolff (71) is performed for the first time, at CalArts, Los Angeles, 55 years after it was composed.
July 27, 2005:
Orchestra: Pieces for orchestra by Christian Wolff (71) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
February 17, 2006:
Duo 6 for trumpet and violin by Christian Wolff (71) is performed for the first time, in Los Angeles.
May 17, 2006:
For Bob for electric violin, four radios, piano, and electronics by Christian Wolff (72) is performed for the first time, in New York.
August 15, 2006:
Microexercises by Christian Wolff (72) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 24, 2007:
A Piano Piece by Christian Wolff (72) is performed for the first time, at New England Conservatory, Boston.
February 15, 2007:
37 Haiku for baritone, oboe, horn, viola, and cello by Christian Wolff (72) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 10, 2007:
Metal and Breath for two or more players by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Oslo.
March 16, 2007:
Long Piano (Peace March 11) for piano by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in San Francisco.
May 10, 2007:
Woodsound & Other for percussion by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Bonn.
August 30, 2007:
Quodlibet for 16 players by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
September 1, 2007:
Out-Take for one or two tubas and maybe other instruments by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
September 23, 2007:
Grete (Microexercises 23-36) for two or more players by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
September 27, 2007:
For John (Material) for 1-4 players by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, at Bard College, New York.
November 21, 2007:
Violin Quartet by Christian Wolff (73) is performed for the first time, in Borås, Sweden.
January 29, 2008:
Two works by Christian Wolff (73) are performed for the first time, in Madrid: One Coat of Paint for cello and percussion, and Quartet for Frederic, Larry, Michael, Robyn for bass clarinet, electric guitar, piano, and percussion.
February 4, 2008:
Duo 7 for percussion and melody instrument by Christian Wolff (74) is performed for the first time, in New York.
April 8, 2008:
BASEL for six or more players by Christian Wolff (74) is performed for the first time, in Basel.
February 24, 2009:
Small Preludes for piano by Christian Wolff (74) is performed for the first time, in Huddersfield, Great Britain.
March 28, 2009:
For 2 Violinists, Violist, and Cellist by Christian Wolff (75) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
May 6, 2009:
String Trio for Robert Ashley for violin, viola, and cello by Christian Wolff (75) is performed for the first time, in New York.
August 29, 2009:
Rhapsody for three small orchestras by Christian Wolff (75) is performed for the first time, in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
December 12, 2009:
Quintet (for Merce) for electric guitar, piano, two percussionists, and double bass by Christian Wolff (75) is performed for the first time, in New York.
February 14, 2010:
Duo 8 for violiin and cello by Christian Wolff (75) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 17, 2010:
Songs from Brecht: The Exception and the Rule for two voices, clarinet, trombone, percussion, viola, and double bass by Christian Wolff (76) is performed for the first time, in a concert setting in Boston. See 18 March 2010.
March 18, 2010:
Songs from Brecht: The Exception and the Rule for two voices, clarinet, trombone, percussion, viola, and double bass by Christian Wolff (76) is performed in a semi-staged setting for the first time, in Boston. See 17 March 2010.
June 4, 2010:
London for seven players by Christian Wolff (76) is performed for the first time, in London.
November 20, 2010:
For Harp Player by Christian Wolff (76) is performed for the first time, in Huddersfield, Great Britain.
November 8, 2011:
Spring Two for orchestra by Christian Wolff (77) is performed for the first time, in Basel.