The Roaring Silence: A Journey into the Heart of John Cage's Life and Work

The Roaring Silence: John Cage: A Life

by David Revill

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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John Cage was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His music was often characterized by its use of silence, indeterminacy, and chance. Cage was also a pioneer in the use of electronic music and multimedia. His work has been praised for its originality, its beauty, and its challenge to conventional notions of music.

The Roaring Silence is a comprehensive biography of Cage that explores his life and work in depth. The book is written by David Revill, a music critic and author who has written extensively about Cage. Revill's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with Cage and his friends and family. The book provides a detailed account of Cage's life, from his early years as a student of Arnold Schoenberg to his later experiments with indeterminacy and silence. The book also examines Cage's relationship to Zen Buddhism and its influence on his music.

The Roaring Silence is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in John Cage or 20th-century music. Revill's book is a valuable contribution to the literature on Cage and his work.

Early Life and Education

Born Sept. 5, 1912, in Los Angeles, Cage was exposed to music from a young age. His father, an inventor and engineer, built a pipe organ for the family home, and Cage began taking piano lessons at age 11. He later studied with Henry Cowell, a leading figure in the American avant-garde movement. Cowell encouraged Cage to experiment with new sounds and techniques, and Cage began to develop his own unique approach to music.

Career

In the 1940s, Cage began to experiment with indeterminacy and chance in his music. He created works in which the performers were given freedom to make choices about how the music was played. Cage also began to use silence in his music, creating works such as 4'33", in which the performers do not play any notes for the entire duration of the piece.

Influence of Zen Buddhism

Cage's interest in Zen Buddhism began in the 1950s. He studied with the Zen master D.T. Suzuki and began to incorporate Zen principles into his music. Cage's music became more meditative and contemplative, and he began to focus on the sounds of everyday life.

Later Life and Work

Cage continued to compose music until his death in 1992. He remained an influential figure in the world of contemporary music, and his work continues to be performed and studied today.

Legacy

John Cage was one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. His music challenged conventional notions of music and opened up new possibilities for musical expression. Cage's work continues to inspire and challenge musicians and listeners alike.

The Roaring Silence: John Cage: A Life

by David Revill

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE