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Quote by John Cage

Work

Silence: Lectures and Writings

This book presents a series of lectures and written works from John Cage, the pioneering American experimental composer renowned for his innovative approach to music and sound. The collection offers insights into Cage's artistic philosophy, his experimental methods, and his unconventional perspectives on the creative process. Through various essays and lectures, Cage discusses concepts related to silence, chance, and the boundaries of musical artistry. As one of the influential figures in twentieth-century avant-garde music, Cage challenged traditional musical conventions and explored the relationship between sound, environment, and performer. The writings reflect his engagement with Eastern philosophical ideas and his collaborative work with artists including Merce Cunningham. The book provides readers with an opportunity to understand the intellectual foundation behind Cage's groundbreaking musical compositions and his lasting impact on contemporary music and art. more

Author

John Cage
John Cage

John Cage (September 5, 1912 - August 12, 1992) was an American composer, music theorist, writer, and experimental musician. Known for his unique approach to music composition and exploration of sound, Cage's works often broke the boundaries of traditional music, profoundly influencing modern music. more

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“When all by myself, I can think of all kinds of clever remarks, quick comebacks to what no one said, and flashes of witty sociability with nobody. But all of this vanishes when I face someone in the flesh: I lose my intelligence, I can no longer speak, and after half an hour I just feel tired. Talking to people makes me feel like sleeping. Only my ghostly and imaginary friends, only the conversations I have in my dreams, are genuinely real and substantial.”

“Human groupings have one main purpose: to assert everyone’s right to be different, to be special, to think, feel and live in his or her own way. People join together in order to win or defend this right. But this is where a terrible, fateful error is born: the belief that these groupings in the name of a race, a God, a party or a State are the very purpose of life and not simply a means to an end. No! The only true and lasting meaning of the struggle for life lies in the individual, in his modest peculiarities and in his right to these peculiarities.”