John Cage - Sonatas & Interludes

Posted by: hungryhalibut on 25 September 2006

I heard a Sonata from this on Radio 3 the other week and thought it was brilliant so, as they say, I bought the album. It's played by John Tilbury on the Explore label - a rerelease of a 1975 recording.

The prepared piano is something I have not heard before, and it makes the piano sound rather like a Gamelan. Amazing what bolts, screws and bits of rubber will do - all placed to 1/16" tolerances.

I wonder if others here like it too, or is it scorned by purists for messing up a good piano!

Nigel

Posted on: 25 September 2006 by Big Brother

John Cage was a true American original. There is a great book on him called "Conversations with John Cage" a must read if your into modern american music.

Try also, Karlheinz Stockhausen's Kontact for piano and electronic sounds,..Regards, BB

Posted on: 25 September 2006 by Todd A

I have one disc (of two discs’ worth of music) of Cage's prepared piano music, by Boris Berman on Naxos, and yes, I like it. It’s sort of an extended divertimento for me, what, being a fan of standard piano music and all, but some of the sounds and rhythmic subtleties in the music are fascinating. Makes me want to listen to more Takemitsu.

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