After learning, reading, and interacting with John Cage, I was able to build more of an understanding of his work. He offered the world a chance for change within the music industry. His work on "No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage 4'33" is remarkable in its meaning and ability to prove society wrong. He made it possible for others to create music by constructing it from sounds. His idea that "everything is music" influenced musicians all over the world. In this article, author Alex Ross brings to light Cage's endeavors during his lifetime. People dismissed Cage's work and made fun of his ideas. He was dismissed within the classical music genre more heavily. Ross discusses the unfamiliarity attached to Cage's work and the awkwardness it can accentuate in each space to its audience. A quote I found to be very useful when thinking about Cage is; “It confronts us with the elemental question of what music is and confounds all easy answers” (Ross). I think that this sums up Cage's work. He changed the music industry and production by questioning the understanding and perception of what music is and can be. Cage's work had many negative and dismissing comments, however, he was still represented in many papers and news sources. Cage focuses his work on the concept of time and freedom. The freedom of sounds that coincided and worked euphoniously together. In later years, Cage's work became more entertaining to its audience. His sound forms became more extravagant and entertaining to watch. After learning about Cage's work, I feel as if I have built a large appreciation for his ability to be resilient. Although Ross discusses Cage's slight irritation and anger towards people who dismissed him, overall he never stopped doing what he loved and believed in.
Cages work makes me think of Rube Goldberg and his obstacle courses.
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