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The University High School Band
The History and Theory of Music

John Cage

1912 - 1992 AD

"I have come to the conclusion that much can be learned about music by devoting oneself to the mushroom."
- John Cage

This lovely man is John Cage. A composer and music theorist, Cage is well known for promoting experimental compositions that pushes the boundaries of what can be considered music.

Though he was extremely knowledgeable about a wide variety of music and well trained in classical style, Cage's real claim to fame is for "composing" a "piece" of "music" called 4' 33", which consists of a sheet of paper with three movements, all marked "tacet." The goal is to make the audience aware of all the sounds around them and consider if these sounds can be legitimately considered music.

Compositions

A Room for Prepared Piano (1943)

Imaginary Landscape No. 5 (1952)

4' 33" (1952)

Open-Ended Question

What is music?