James Tenney plays John Cage 2/sound. at the Schindler House

Recorded June 28, 2002
Excerpt from performance of John Cage's "Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano" with James Tenney on piano

This was one of two evenings dedicated to the early works of John Cage organized in honor of three Cage anniversaries - the 50th anniversary of 4'33, the 10th anniversary of Cage's death and the 90th of his birth.

Produced by SASSAS

Special thanks to Cage's publisher, CF Peters, and to Lauren Pratt for allowing SASSAS to make this video available.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John
• Cage
• James
• Tenney
• prepared
• piano
• Sonatas
• and
• Interludes
• SASSAS

[daposevvg]

Yes!

[badhorse3]

The late James Tenney is a friend of and expert on John Cage's music (as well as that of American 20th century composers). As such he is uniquely qualified to perform these pieces. Search for Tenney's own pieces such as his "WAKE for Charles Ives".

[weareeachother]

incredible. 

[carliboy908]

gamelan springs to mind, I actually quite like it..can't knock someone for pushing the boundaries of sound..hence why I like Sonic Youth, Autechre..I like a challenge

[sixfeetjenna]

This is simply beautiful

[jpb267]

the screws are not to be screwed into the piano. They are slid in between the strings to create harmonics. You should research before you comment.

[gercog88]

I love his ideas, but who will pay a for holes in piano?

[TehUberNoobLol]

Screws are slid in between some strings at certain points. Along with other things like rubber bands.

[lazychump]

how are these sounds achieved? by that book resting on the strings?

Amazing stuff. Just found out about Cage today.

[Ronnylama]

I met John Cage in 1990 or 91....I was attending A Cornish Event (John Cage taught at Cornish in mid century). It was a dual concert with George Harrison. At the time (being an Art major) I thought John was George. Hahahaha I liked the handshake of George (John) and his eyes were inescapably Humble.......I ran back to my apartment and painted the inspiration. In my SPIRIT.....I Find JOHN CAGE

[TarTwinkle]

Appreciation relies on understanding. Some languages sound like my pet chimp could vocalize, in my opinion, but they are still worth listening to because I have a teenie weenie mind and hope to explore other ways of seeing this beautiful world in its infinitesimal complexities.

And, this music not only embodies beauty well beyond fifths or thirds but also manages to carry with it complex statements, the true mark of genius.

Cage's 4'33 is about respecting the audience, not making fun of them.