John Cage

Paper Summary:

In this paper, through biographies and musical analysis brought forth on Cage as a multi-cultural composer, the idea of a unified eastern/western philosophical and musical tradition was pioneered through his efforts. In essence, John Cage's philosophy of silence, chance, and indeterminacy is actually a modern American product for certain external aspects of the Eastern originals served as the stimulant lending a mystic aura of "orientalism".

From the Paper:

"The aim of this music study will be to examine how Asian philosophical and religious concepts play a large role in how John cage composed his works. By revealing the Asian philosophical practices of Hinduism and Zen, one can realize why Cage chose `silence' and the act of `chance' in his compositions, as well through the indeterminacy of musical form. By analyzing various texts that define Cage's role in bringing `orientalism' to the western musical tradition, one can clearly define the Asian philosophies and religious practices that Cage practiced within his own life. Through biographies and musical analysis brought forth on Cage as a multi-cultural composer, the idea of a unified eastern/western philosophical and musical tradition was pioneered through his efforts."

More papers on John Cage:

• Analytical Essay # 138983 : "John Cage's Theories and Fashion Design"
• Term Paper # 138649 : "John Cage's Europeras"
• Analytical Essay # 136650 : "John Cage and The Music of Chance"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: