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.jpg "John Cage, experimental composer") John Cage broke the mold on what was
considered to be music. His compositions using non-musical items led
many to argue that his idea of music was not music at all.
John
Cage was an enigma of music. Like other composers before him he
attempted to explore new styles and textures. But where others bent the
rules, Cage broke them.
Changing The Sound of Music
Some would say that the music of
John Cage (1912-1992) is not really music. To this fact they may point
out that John Cage's most famous work is a piece bereft of all sound
whatsoever, or at least of all "intentional" sound. His work, 4'33"
(four minutes, thirty-three seconds) requires no effort whatsoever of
the performers and audience, other than to simply sit in perfect
silence. This is but one example of what Cage referred to as
"non-intention." Even in silence, there is sound. The faint, distant
sound of a train whistle, the low hum of the air conditioning system,
the occasional shuffling of feet by the person seated next to you.
These non-intentional elements are what inspired John Cage to work
towards the creation of a Center For Experimental Music to allow
composers to explore areas of music not related to traditional
harmonies or rhythms. His autobiography details many of his thoughts and reasons behind the music he composed.
Experimental Music and Music of Chance
One of the many contributions John Cage made to this new form of
experimental music is the idea of chance. Cage was a devout buddist and
a believer in the use of the "I Ching" (The Book of Change) to create
randomness in his music. Cage's unorthodox compositions led many to
chastise him and belittle his creative endeavours. In truth, he gave
them plenty of reasons to do so, creating such works as 0'0" where he
simply stood on stage, blended vegetables and drank the juice. Other
pieces involved the use of "prepared piano," and included the
intentional detuning of the strings, placing objects on or between the
strings, or other manipulations of the instrument.
Hostile Reaction To Cage's Compositions
John Cage's seemingly skewed approach to music led some in the music
community to be almost hostile in their treatment of Cage and his
music. In 1964 several members of the New York Philharmonic literally
sabotaged a performance of his piece titled Elipticalis. This and other
similar incidents throughout his career did not stymie his resolve to
explore and stretch the boundaries of music. Later in his life he began
to teach classes at several universities and passed on this rebellious
spirit to a new generation of composers and musicians.
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