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STAGE+

Composer

John Cage

1912 — 1992

Concerts and Operas

Yuja Wang & Víkingur Ólafsson: Live in Berlin
Philharmonie, Berlin
Concert100 Min
Modern Masterworks: John Cage
Alte Oper Frankfurt
Concert59 Min

Albums

John Cage: Music For Three
Přemysl Vojta, Ye Wu, Florence Millet
Michael Tilson Thomas in Verbier (Live)
Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas
John Cage: As It Is
Natalia Pschenitschnikova, Alexei Lubimov
Lutoslawski: String Quartet (1964) / Penderecki: Quartetto per archi (1960) / Mayuzumi: Prelude for String Quartet (1961) / Cage: String Quartet in Four Parts (1950)
LaSalle Quartet
Saariaho, Cage, Maderna: In due tempi
Cikada String Quartet
John Cage: Early Piano Music
Herbert Henck
Locations - Cage: Sonatas & Interludes / Henck: Festeburger Fantasien
Herbert Henck
John Cage: The Seasons
Margaret Leng Tan, American Composers Orchestra, Dennis Russell Davies

Appears On

My American Story: North
Daniil Trifonov, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Modern Horn Trios
Přemysl Vojta, Ye Wu, Florence Millet
ECOUTEZ! Debussy, Cage & Takemitsu
Sheila Arnold
Rothko Chapel - Feldman / Satie / Cage
Kim Kashkashian, Sarah Rothenberg, Steven Schick, Houston Chamber Choir, Robert Simpson
Der Bote
Alexei Lubimov

Overview of John Cage and His Influence

John Cage (1912–1992) was a groundbreaking American composer, music theorist, writer, and artist who profoundly shaped 20th-century music and the avant-garde movement. Known for his radical experimentation, Cage pioneered indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic techniques, and unconventional methods such as the prepared piano—a piano altered by placing objects between its strings to create percussive and unique sounds. His collaborations with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also his life partner, were pivotal in the evolution of modern dance and interdisciplinary performance.

Cage’s innovative approach often involved the use of chance operations, drawing inspiration from the I Ching and studies in Indian philosophy and Zen Buddhism. He believed in removing the composer’s ego from the creative process, famously describing music as “a purposeless play” and a way of “waking up to the very life we’re living”.

John Cage's Works Presented by STAGE+

Explore the thought-provoking and innovative works of American composer, John Cage, presented by STAGE+. From live performances by renowned talents like Yuja Wang & Víkingur Ólafsson in Berlin, to the expressive interpretations of "My American Story: North", there's a wealth of Cage’s compositions to discover.

Modern Masterworks

Modern Masterworks features a selection of Cage's groundbreaking compositions, driving home his importance in the history of 20th-century music.

Michael Tilson Thomas in Verbier (Live)

In the ‘Michael Tilson Thomas in Verbier (Live)’ concert, experience the phenomenal orchestra conducted by Thomas that weaves a spell using Cage's compositions.

Rothko Chapel - Feldman / Satie / Cage

‘Rothko Chapel - Feldman / Satie / Cage’ provides an immersive audio experience, highlighting the drawn-out tones and introspective moods common in the works of these three composers.

John Cage: As It Is

‘John Cage: As It Is’ explores the auditory genius of Cage performed by Natalia Pschenitschnikova and Alexei Lubimov, promising an engaging and immersive dip into avant-garde music.

Lutoslawski, Penderecki, Mayuzumi, and Cage

Immerse yourself in the gripping strings of Lutoslawski, Penderecki, Mayuzumi, and Cage, brought to life by the LaSalle Quartet.

John Cage: Early Piano Music

Explore the evolution of Cage’s style with ‘John Cage: Early Piano Music', performed by the talented Herbert Henck.

In due tempi

Saariaho, Cage, and Maderna’s works converge beautifully in 'In due tempi', played melodiously by the Cikada String Quartet.

Locations - Cage: Sonatas & Interludes / Henck: Festeburger Fantasien

Travel through the serene soundscapes of 'Locations - Cage: Sonatas & Interludes / Henck: Festeburger Fantasien', masterfully woven together by Herbert Henck. This exploration of Cage's piano compositions promises a unique and rewarding experience for all listeners.

Enjoy these performances at iconic venues such as the Philharmonie in Berlin, Alte Oper Frankfurt, and spectacular orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Experience the intricate beauty of John Cage's compositions, a true testament to his contribution to modern music.