Arcana III is the third groundbreaking collection of critical writings on avant-garde and experimental music put together by editor (and experimental music legend) John Zorn. In this volume, 30 distinguished composer/performers illuminate and speculate upon method and practice in the process of making, experiencing and thinking about music. Comprised of essays, scores, manifestoes and interviews both real and imaginary, Arcana III gives voice to a new generation of brave musical explorers who live outside of the mainstream academy. Contributors include John Zorn, Maryanne Amacher, Derek Bermel, Steven Bernstein, Theo Bleckmann, Gavin Bryars, Greg Cohen, Jacques Coursil, Mario Diaz de Leon, Timb Harris, Scott Hull, Jerry Hunt, Henry Kaiser, Ha-Yang Kim, Makigami Koichi, Pamelia Kurstin, Okkyung Lee, Sean Lennon, Frank London, Brad Lubman, Christian Marclay, Kaffe Matthews, Olga Neuwirth, Buzz Osbourne, William Parker, Paola Prestini, Jamie Saft, Eric Singer, Wadada Leo Smith, Laeticia Sonami and Hal Willner.
John Zorn has created an influential body of work that defies academic categories. A native of New York City, he has been a central figure in the downtown scene since 1975, incorporating a wide range of musicians in various compositional formats.