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John Cage - Sonata II

 

Author: Julia Ranft

B.A. American Studies (HF), English Studies (NF)

Email: s0173273@stud.uni-frankfurt.de

Matrikelnummer: 7485864

The Future of (American) Music

Prof. Dr. Bernd Herzogenrath

Listening Report 4

John Cage - Sonata II

            John Cage was an American composer, philosopher, and artist, widely recognised for his contributions to the development of experimental music. His music was  highly innovative, and he explored various unconventional approaches in his compositions, including using chance operations, non-standard instrumentation, and silence. One of his most notable works is the “Sonata II” for prepared piano, which is an excellent example of Cage’s experimental approach.

            The piece is written for a prepared and modified piano, which is a piano that has had its sound altered by placing various objects, such as screws, bolts, and rubber, between the strings. The use of a prepared piano was one of Cage’s most significant contributions to the development of experimental music, and it allowed him to create new sounds and textures that were previously unheard of.

            Another notable aspect of the Sonata II is the use of silence. Cage believed that silence was an essential component of music and that it should be treated with the same respect as sound. In the Sonata II, he uses silence as a tool to create tension and to highlight the sounds of the prepared piano. The silence also allows the listener to reflect on the music and to appreciate its complexity.

            In conclusion, John Cage’s Sonata II for prepared piano is an exceptional work of experimental music that showcases his innovative approach to composition. The use of a prepared piano, chance operations, and silence are all significant elements of the piece, and they contribute to its unique character and beauty. The Sonata II is a testament to Cage’s commitment pushing boundaries of music and to exploring new and unconventional approaches to composition.

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