what is the best type of music

sorry but what does catatonic mean?

Originally posted by jacko11
sorry but what does catatonic mean?

"Frozen", unable to move.

Originally posted by darvlay
4' 33'' is a joke and not a very funny one either.

I'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.

Originally posted by Nordlys
I'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.

As a piece within a piece, silence can have a great impact on the listener. As a piece on its own, it's dee you em dumb. I understand the statement that Cage is making with the piece but I'll be damned if I ever find myself taking a performance of it seriously.

The best kind of music is good music.

Originally posted by darvlay
As a piece within a piece, silence can have a great impact on the listener. As a piece on its own, it's dee you em dumb. I understand the statement that Cage is making with the piece but I'll be damned if I ever find myself taking a performance of it seriously.

It's not music. It's modern art.


I saw a painting that was just a blank canvas. The title was "Red Bird".


Same idea.

Originally posted by Nordlys
I'd say it's a lot more than just a joke. It was an interesting experience to actually perform it. I think it's probably more interesting to listen to when you know what it is - otherwise the joke factor might overshadow the experience. When I performed it, most people in the audience knew what to expect, as I had been talking about that piece in my presentation the day before.

I have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They took the lights way down which really enhanced the piece. Upon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂

yeah i have got to admit i do like good usic

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
I have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They too ...[text shortened]... pon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂

I performed it solo, on the piano (I didn't have my cello with me). I indicated the movements by closing and reopening the piano lid.

One woman in the audience said it was the best performance of the piece she had ever heard (or seen?). 🙂

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
I have to agree. While there is humor, I'd hardly characterize it as a "joke". I don't think that those who do really understand what the piece is about. Did you perform it solo? On cello? Did you do anything to indicate the movements? I saw it performed by a percussion quartet that was doing an all-Cage program. It was interesting to listen to. They too ...[text shortened]... pon completion one of the musicians remarked, "That was even better than in rehearsal". 🙂

I'm performing it right now. How's it sound?

Originally posted by Nordlys
I performed it solo, on the piano (I didn't have my cello with me). I indicated the movements by closing and reopening the piano lid.

One woman in the audience said it was the best performance of the piece she had ever heard (or seen?). 🙂

Sounds like you made quite the impression. And to think, it wasn't even with your main instrument 🙂

Originally posted by darvlay
I'm performing it right now. How's it sound?

That you ask that question only underscores the point.

Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Sounds like you made quite the impression. And to think, it wasn't even with your main instrument 🙂

Teehee! Actually I think it's easier to "play" on the piano. You have something to look at, you don't have to face the audience, and there is an easy way to indicate the end of a movement and the beginning of the next one (closing and opening the piano lid was one of Cage's suggestions). And you can place your clock on the piano.

Originally posted by Nordlys
Teehee! Actually I think it's easier to "play" on the piano. You have something to look at, you don't have to face the audience, and there is an easy way to indicate the end of a movement and the beginning of the next one (closing and opening the piano lid was one of Cage's suggestions). And you can place your clock on the piano.

It's interesting that such a "simple" piece would have problems to be solved. For the percussion quartet I saw, the seating was in four sections surrounding a square in the center. They each stood with heads bowed in a corner of the square facing the center with the score and timing device on a music stand in front. They turned the pages of the score to indicate the movements. Lowering the lights removed the focus from them and placed it on the ambient sounds. I "participated" by occasionally very lightly sliding or rocking my shoe on the hardwood floor.

The best music is that which inspires us to be better people, or just makes us happy.