John Milton Cage Jr. (September 5, 1912 – August 12, 1992) was an American … Read Full Bio ↴John Milton Cage Jr. (September 5, 1912 – August 12, 1992) was an American composer, philosopher, poet, music theorist, artist, printmaker, and amateur mycologist and mushroom collector. A pioneer of chance music, electronic music and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde. Critics have lauded him as one of the most influential American composers of the 20th century. He was also instrumental in the development of modern dance, mostly through his association with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also Cage's romantic partner for most of their lives.
Cage is perhaps best known for his 1952 composition 4′33″, the three movements of which are performed without a single note being played. The content of the composition is meant to be perceived as the sounds of the environment that the listeners hear while it is performed, rather than merely as four minutes and thirty three seconds of silence, and the piece became one of the most controversial compositions of the twentieth century. Another famous creation of Cage's is the prepared piano (a piano with its sound altered by placing various objects in the strings), for which he wrote numerous dance-related works and a few concert pieces, the best known of which is Sonatas and Interludes (1946–48).
His teachers included Henry Cowell (1933) and Arnold Schoenberg (1933–35), both known for their radical innovations in music and coincidentally their shared love of mushrooms, but Cage's major influences lay in various Eastern cultures. Through his studies of Indian philosophy and Zen Buddhism in the late 1940s, Cage came to the idea of chance-controlled music, which he started composing in 1951. The I Ching, an ancient Chinese classic text on changing events, became Cage's standard composition tool for the rest of his life. In a 1957 lecture, Experimental Music, he described music as "a purposeless play" which is "an affirmation of life – not an attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we're living".
Cage is perhaps best known for his 1952 composition 4′33″, the three movements of which are performed without a single note being played. The content of the composition is meant to be perceived as the sounds of the environment that the listeners hear while it is performed, rather than merely as four minutes and thirty three seconds of silence, and the piece became one of the most controversial compositions of the twentieth century. Another famous creation of Cage's is the prepared piano (a piano with its sound altered by placing various objects in the strings), for which he wrote numerous dance-related works and a few concert pieces, the best known of which is Sonatas and Interludes (1946–48).
His teachers included Henry Cowell (1933) and Arnold Schoenberg (1933–35), both known for their radical innovations in music and coincidentally their shared love of mushrooms, but Cage's major influences lay in various Eastern cultures. Through his studies of Indian philosophy and Zen Buddhism in the late 1940s, Cage came to the idea of chance-controlled music, which he started composing in 1951. The I Ching, an ancient Chinese classic text on changing events, became Cage's standard composition tool for the rest of his life. In a 1957 lecture, Experimental Music, he described music as "a purposeless play" which is "an affirmation of life – not an attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we're living".
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II
John Cage Lyrics
No lyrics text found for this track.
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
Nathan DeWitt
Once upon a time, in a small cozy home, lived a curious and music-loving granddaughter named Emily. Emily shared a special bond with her grandmother, Eleanor, who was a wise and gentle soul. They would spend countless hours together, sharing stories, laughter, and their mutual love for music.
One sunny afternoon, Emily visited her grandmother's house, excited to share a new piece of music she had discovered. As they sat in the living room, Eleanor smiled warmly, eagerly waiting to hear what her granddaughter had in store.
With great anticipation, Emily played John Cage's 4'33". The unconventional composition, famously known for its silence, seemed like an unusual choice. However, Emily believed that music was not only about sound but also about the emotions it evoked and the experiences it created.
As the minutes passed, the room was filled with a profound silence, and the melodies of life outside the window intertwined with the absence of sound within. Emily watched her grandmother closely, wondering how she would react to this unique musical journey.
Eleanor closed her eyes, her face serene and peaceful. She immersed herself in the silence, allowing the music of the moment to unfold within her soul. It was as if the absence of sound invited her to reflect on the beauty and significance of the world around her.
In that poignant moment, Emily realized that 4'33" was not just a piece of music; it was an invitation to embrace the quietude and appreciate the subtle symphony of life. It was a reminder that sometimes the most profound moments could be found in the spaces between the notes.
Days turned into weeks, and Emily continued to visit her grandmother, sharing music and cherishing their time together. Eleanor's health began to fade, and it became clear that her time on Earth was drawing to a close. In their final moments together, Emily held her grandmother's hand, reminiscing about their shared love for music.
As they sat in silence, Eleanor whispered, her voice filled with love and gratitude, "Thank you for introducing me to the beauty of silence, my dear Emily. Through 4'33", I found solace in the stillness and the unspoken connection it held with the world."
Tears filled Emily's eyes as she embraced her grandmother tightly, understanding the profound impact that music, even in its silence, had on their lives. Eleanor's passing left a void in Emily's heart, but she carried the memories of their musical journey and the lessons they learned together.
From that day forward, whenever Emily heard John Cage's 4'33”, she felt a deep connection to her grandmother. It became a reminder of the bond they shared, the beauty of silence, and the importance of finding music in the spaces where it seemed absent.
And so, as time went on, Emily continued to explore music, embracing both the harmonies and the pauses in between. She cherished the memory of her grandmother, forever grateful for the last song they listened to together and the profound impact it had on their lives.
Viper0451
I can't even begin to imagine how quickly the world would set on fire if John Cage were allowed to copyright this
Kris B
LMAOOO
quasarsphere
He did. Mike Batt released an album a few years back that ended with a minute of silence, and got hit with a copyright strike from John Cage's estate.
Viper0451
@Kris B That means he can sue just about every other copyrighted media in the world and possibly win. Every second of every movie, book, tv show, and videogame has to be plastered with music, or else he could have an easy case.
I don't think John Cage realizes how much power he has in his hands.
Kris B
@Viper0451 it’s too bad he passed away…
antoś
I want this to play at my funeral, I want them to hear what I'm hearing 6 feet under the ground.
antoś
@lofree this what
Kirbo The Wirbo
how did i find you both here and in a youtube shorts
D. S.
what do you mean, you won't hear the dancing?
everyone hears the dancing and the singing, Except for the dead. 6 feet deep is when you find life.
Leonardo Bruno
you won't be able to hear