The Sound of Silence Discussion

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Recommended: Cage's philosophy of music

Dictionary.com defines silence, as being an absence of a sound or noise, but for John Cage this could not be farther from the truth. Most people would agree with the dictionary definition that no noise is silence but Cage believed that silence is sound. Cage was not only a great composer but is known for his odd perspective and philosophy on silence and sound. His unique outlook differs from many composers, he believed to let “sounds be themselves” and to not manipulate them (“John Cage- Music, Sound and Silence). As stated in the YouTube video of John Cage about silence he believes that music is one of those things that don’t mean anything and that we should let things be as they are. This theory differs from many composers, who wish to have their music impact others. Cage believed that silence does not exist and he wanted people to create their own images from the sounds around. In Cage’s unique perspective he strived to change the way we listen to music and he wanted the listener to view music in its simples form. He sought out to change our reaction and views on music and silence.

John Cage was born September 5th 1912 in America and became a composer and philosopher of music. He had many areas of interests and was very creative; he enjoyed painting, poetry, politics and printmaking (Adams). His creativity was stemmed from his family life, his mother was a New York Times columnist and his father was an inventor. The two always encouraged Cage to inspire and be whoever he wanted. Cage became one of the most instantly recognized names in the 20th- century (Adams). Cage did so well during this time because he used his curiosity and optimism in order to persevere in his career (Adams). This was a time where music creation was vit...

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John Cage: Music, Sound, and Silence - Articles - House of Solitude - Hermitary. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2013. .

Pritchett, James. "John Cage." Oxford Music Online. N.p., 10 July 2010. Web. 16 Oct.

2013. .

Adams, John. "The Zen of Silence." The New York Times. N.p., 19 Nov. 2010. Web. 16

Oct. 2013. .

Cage, John. Music of Changes. Perf. David Tudor. 1951. CD.

Cage, John. 4'33" 1952. CD.

"Silence." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

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"Dadaism." The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

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