Reader: Week 3

          John Cage is an American composer who created works in the avant-garde style. Because Cage composed music that was different than what people were used to, people reacted with hostility.  However, it was these differences that in turn inspired newer music writers to be different. His invention, the “prepared piano,” was a system that muted the strings.  The Prepared Piano transformed a regular piano into a percussion orchestra.  Known for his experimentation with music, Cage utilized new technology to further advance his understanding of sound.  He was the first to experiment with electronic sounds as music.

         Cage suggests that because the world we live in is one of constant change, the music created should be a reflection this notion. Unfortunately for Cage, his ideas were not received as well as they should have by the public.  He was often left penniless and moved around a lot.  I admire his ability to overcome these hardships and create amazing music.