I love John Cage’s ideas and writings on music. I dislike intensely his music.
He seems to share this with modern artists: Their writing is far more interesting than the resulting art. I often go to galleries and read the very interesting pamphlets and interviews with the artists. And as I go through their very articulate and intelligent description of what they are trying to achieve and the ideas motivating their work I eagerly look forward to see the embodiment of such musings. I have always being disappointed by dull and unimaginative stuff like a pile of bricks, or some collage that a five year old could have done better. Therefore, now I do not go to galleries to see modern art. I just read the propaganda.
Same with Cage. I do not bother with his music. I just read what he has to say about it.
Here are some interesting reviews that were around three or four months ago when there was big retrospective of his work in London (“Cage uncaged”).
https://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/fridayreview/story/0,12102,1123639,00.html(there is a wonderful story here about Cage and some friends getting trapped in a lift and listening to the music of the building).
https://www.guardian.co.uk/saturday_review/story/0,3605,378666,00.html(Mostly about choreographer Merce Cunningham, but also with many interesting comments on his relationship with Cage. Apparently Cage fully endorsed the concept that dance and music should not be connected in any way, and proceeded to compose music for Merce’s choreographies).
https://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,768155,00.html(Cage’s approach to etching and his use of the I Ching and zen Buddhism)
https://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,1130380,00.html(Some very funny observations by a critic who is not too keen on Cage).
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
Topic: What about John Cage?