John Cage Critical Lives Reaktion Books

"American composer, writer, artist and philosopher John Cage (1912-1992) is best known for his experimental composition '4'33"', a musical score in which the performer makes no sound for the duration of the piece. The purpose, Cage said, was for the audience to listen to the sounds of the environment around them while the piece was performed. Groundbreaking pieces such as '4'33"' and 'Sonatas and Interludes' not only established Cage as a leading figure in the postwar avant-garde movement, but also cemented the enduring controversy surrounding his work. This new biography explores Cage's radical approach to art and aesthetics and his belief that everyday life and art are one and the same. Cage emphasized chance over intention, rejecting traditional artistic methods and causing an uproar among his peers. He was also strongly influenced by Eastern cultures, particularly Zen buddhism, and used the Chinese text 'I Ching' as his standard compositional tool in most of his work after 1951. Adding to our understanding of the art, music and ideas of the twentieth century, 'John Cage' provides an engaging look at a man who continues to challenge and inspire artists worldwide"--Publisher's description, back cover.