How John Milton Cage Changed The Meaning Of Music
Cage, one of the most revered composers of the 20th century, changed how people understood the meaning of music. His experimental, controversial musical philosophies exposed the contradictions between the definition of sound and the definition of music. Although it is challenging to explain the broad concepts of sound and music, Cage asserts that both music and sound do not require meaning to be memorable and bring pleasure. Although I personally disagree with this philosophy, I believe his unorthodox point of view to be worth researching. John Milton Cage Jr., one of the most renowned American avant-garde composers, was born in Los Angeles, California on September 5, 1912. His father, John Milton Cage Sr. was a scientific inventor and electrical
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He studied under great, diverse composers. Among these talented composers were Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell. However, Cage often butted heads with his fellow composers due to his unorthodox ideas about music. Schoenberg and Cage often argued about the usage of harmonies in compositions, highlighting the differences between Schoenberg’s classical approach to composing and Cage’s unique approach to composing. However, later in Schoenberg’s life, he admitted that Cage reflected the characteristics of an artistic genius because he understood how to discover the uniqueness of music. Because most of the composers Cage worked with in California were only interested in creating traditional, classical compositions, Cage sought inspiration in other art mediums. His biggest inspiration was dancer and choreographer, Merce Cunningham. Together, the two artistic minds collaborated to create memorable performances. They both realized that music and dance do not have to be mutually exclusive elements of art. The music doesn’t have to follow the dance and the dance doesn’t have to follow the music. The performance presents activity yet it doesn’t say anything or has any meaning. The meaning of the performance depends on the individual audience members. This new philosophy sparked controversy in the art world and strengthened Cunningham and Cage’s personal
He studied under great, diverse composers. Among these talented composers were Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell. However, Cage often butted heads with his fellow composers due to his unorthodox ideas about music. Schoenberg and Cage often argued about the usage of harmonies in compositions, highlighting the differences between Schoenberg’s classical approach to composing and Cage’s unique approach to composing. However, later in Schoenberg’s life, he admitted that Cage reflected the characteristics of an artistic genius because he understood how to discover the uniqueness of music. Because most of the composers Cage worked with in California were only interested in creating traditional, classical compositions, Cage sought inspiration in other art mediums. His biggest inspiration was dancer and choreographer, Merce Cunningham. Together, the two artistic minds collaborated to create memorable performances. They both realized that music and dance do not have to be mutually exclusive elements of art. The music doesn’t have to follow the dance and the dance doesn’t have to follow the music. The performance presents activity yet it doesn’t say anything or has any meaning. The meaning of the performance depends on the individual audience members. This new philosophy sparked controversy in the art world and strengthened Cunningham and Cage’s personal