The Music of John Cage (Music in the Twentieth Century) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "John Cage's professional career as a composer really did not begin until 1938 - the year he organized a percussion ensemble at the Cornish School..." (more)
Key Phrases: paper imperfections, gamut elements, more new sounds, Music of Changes, New York, Song Books (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Thus we find detailed and generally thorough, consideration of not just Cage's music and the techniques it employs but also the sources of the ideological standpoints from which the music is derived.' Music and Letters

Product Description

Although John Cage has been almost universally recognised as the leading figure of the post-war musical avant-garde, this is the first book to present a complete and coherent picture of Cage the composer. Providing a historical account of Cage's musical concerns and changing style, James Pritchett describes just what it was Cage did and why and how he did it. The book is centred around extensive descriptions of the most important works and compositional techniques, including in-depth explanations of the role of chance and indeterminacy in Cage's music. Dr Pritchett also considers the relationship of Cage's musical thought to his interests in such diverse subjects as Eastern philosophy and religion, Marshall McLuhan, and anarchism (among many others). This book thus makes the essential introduction to Cage's musical world.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 26, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521565448
• ISBN-13: 978-0521565448
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,233,012 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)