03 Oct 08
Originally posted by darvlayI'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.
4' 33'' is a joke and not a very funny one either.
03 Oct 08
Originally posted by NordlysAs a piece within a piece, silence can have a great impact on the listener. As a piece on its own, it's dee you em dumb. I understand the statement that Cage is making with the piece but I'll be damned if I ever find myself taking a performance of it seriously.
I'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.
03 Oct 08
2 edits
Originally posted by darvlayIt's not music. It's modern art.
As a piece within a piece, silence can have a great impact on the listener. As a piece on its own, it's dee you em dumb. I understand the statement that Cage is making with the piece but I'll be damned if I ever find myself taking a performance of it seriously.
I saw a painting that was just a blank canvas. The title was "Red Bird".
Same idea.
04 Oct 08
2 edits
Originally posted by NordlysI have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They took the lights way down which really enhanced the piece. Upon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂
I'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.
04 Oct 08
Originally posted by ThinkOfOneI performed it solo, on the piano (I didn't have my cello with me). I indicated the movements by closing and reopening the piano lid.
I have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They too ...[text shortened]... pon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂
One woman in the audience said it was the best performance of the piece she had ever heard (or seen?). 🙂
04 Oct 08
Originally posted by ThinkOfOneI'm performing it right now. How's it sound?
I have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They too ...[text shortened]... pon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂
04 Oct 08
Originally posted by NordlysSounds like you made quite the impression. And to think, it wasn't even with your main instrument 🙂
I performed it solo, on the piano (I didn't have my cello with me). I indicated the movements by closing and reopening the piano lid.
One woman in the audience said it was the best performance of the piece she had ever heard (or seen?). 🙂
04 Oct 08
Originally posted by ThinkOfOneTeehee! Actually I think it's easier to "play" on the piano. You have something to look at, you don't have to face the audience, and there is an easy way to indicate the end of a movement and the beginning of the next one (closing and opening the piano lid was one of Cage's suggestions). And you can place your clock on the piano.
Sounds like you made quite the impression. And to think, it wasn't even with your main instrument 🙂
04 Oct 08
1 edit
Originally posted by NordlysIt's interesting that such a "simple" piece would have problems to be solved. For the percussion quartet I saw, the seating was in four sections surrounding a square in the center. They each stood with heads bowed in a corner of the square facing the center with the score and timing device on a music stand in front. They turned the pages of the score to indicate the movements. Lowering the lights removed the focus from them and placed it on the ambient sounds. I "participated" by occasionally very lightly sliding or rocking my shoe on the hardwood floor.
Teehee! Actually I think it's easier to "play" on the piano. You have something to look at, you don't have to face the audience, and there is an easy way to indicate the end of a movement and the beginning of the next one (closing and opening the piano lid was one of Cage's suggestions). And you can place your clock on the piano.