April 7, 2009
Sound Artist: John Cage
Biography
John Cage (September 5, 1912 – August 12, 1992) was the founder of chance music, electronic music, and non – standard use of musical instrument. He was an American composer and assumed to be the most influential. He was one of the leading figures of the post – war.
Influences
John Cage was an apprentice of the classical composer Arnold Schoenberg. He studied with in California at USC than at UCLA, as well as privately. Schoenberg became one of the biggest influences on Cage. It was quoted that Cage, “literally worshipped him”. Schoenberg’s influence and his methods are all documented in Cage’s lectures and writings.
Description of their work
Cage incorporates his idea of work in his quote, “it is better to make a piece of music than to perform one, better to perform one than to listen to one, better to listen to one than to misuse it as a means of distraction, entertainment, or acquisition of ‘culture.’”
Similarities between other artists
Throughout American history, there have been many American experimental composers that have been compared with Cage such as Morton Feldman, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Terry Riley. Just like these composers, Cage too decided to explore classical music and take a different approach to it.
Difference between other artists
Cage was well known for his 1952 composition 4’33” which involved the performance without a single note being played. The purpose of 4’33” is to hear the sounds of the environment that the listeners hear while it is played. In 1952, David Tudor performed this piece, which involved him sitting in front of a piano for four minutes and 33 seconds doing absolutely nothing. This piece later became one of the most controversial compositions of the twentieth century. Furthermore, he was also known for his creation of the “prepared piano”. This pianos sound was altered by placing various objects in the strings. He wrote numerous dance – related works and a few concert pieces.
