First published 2002
John Cage stands among the most important composers of the twentieth century. Born in 1912, this American artist dedicated his career to an unconventional mission: relinquishing control to allow sounds their natural existence. David Nicholls examines how Cage created approximately 300 musical works while simultaneously building careers as a performer, writer, poet, and visual artist. The book traces Cage's multifaceted contributions across these diverse creative fields. Nicholls presents a complete view of this complex figure, exploring both the breadth and depth of his artistic output. Readers discover how one composer's radical philosophy reshaped musical thinking and practice throughout the century.
Genres: biography, art, 20th-century, non-fiction, music
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: unconventional
Period: 20th-Century
302 pages · Hardcover · Cambridge University Press