Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: John Cage's 639 Year Concert
Mar 15, 2023
Dive into the mind of John Cage, an avant-garde composer known for his revolutionary approach to music. Discover the infamous 4'33'', a performance that challenges our perceptions of sound and silence. Learn about the staggering 639-year concert, 'As Slow As Possible,' and its unique moments, including a notable chord change in 2020. The discussion explores the philosophical implications of Cage's work on modern art and how it continues to resonate through generations.
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4'33"
- John Cage's 4'33" consists of four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence.
- It challenges the notion of silence by highlighting ambient sounds.
Silence as Unintended Sound
- Cage's 4'33" is not about the absence of sound, but the presence of unintended sounds.
- It encourages listeners to appreciate the unpredictable soundscape around them.
Organ²/ASLSP
- Organ²/ASLSP, or "As Slow As Possible," is a John Cage piece played on an organ.
- Its performance duration is 639 years, referencing the time elapsed between the first modern keyboard's creation in 1361 and the year 2000.