Two BitsHenry Cowell once composed a piece for flute and piano entitled simply "A Bit". When his publisher - complaining that the composition was too short - asked him to write a companion piece, Cowell complied - and called the resulting work "Two Bits".
He then specified that the oevre should sell for 50 cents: "Two Bits for Flute and Piano," the title page read. "Price 50 cents."
Cowell, Henry (1897-1965) American composer, writer, and pianist
[Sources: N. Slonimsky, A Thing or Two About Music]More Henry Cowell anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
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