Now in its fourth installment, with a ?fth in preparation, John Zorn's acclaimed "Arcana" series provides insight into the work and methodologies of some of the most creative musical minds of our time. Rather than an attempt to distill or define a musician's work, "Arcana IV" illuminates directly via personal vision and experience, through the undiluted words and thoughts of the practitioners themselves. Elucidating through manifestoes, scores, interviews, notes and critical papers, composer/performers address composing, improvising, teaching, living, touring and thinking in and through music. Essential for composers, musicians, students and fans alike, this remarkably challenging and original series has now become the major source on new music theory and practice in the twenty-first century. Among "Arcana IV"'s contributors are Derek Bailey, Nels Cline, Chris Cutler, Paul Dresher, Kenneth Gaburo, Shelley Hirsch, Wayne Horvitz, Vijay Iyer, Gordon Mumma, Matana Roberts, Kathryn Supove and Carolyn Yarnell.