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4’33”: John Cage’s revolutionary “silent” musical piece
Episode 86

4’33”: John Cage’s revolutionary “silent” musical piece

The story behind one of the most controversial, and influential, pieces of music of the 20th Century.

Twenty Thousand Hertz

January 22, 202034m 4s

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Show Notes

John Cage was a respected composer when, in 1952, he created his “silent piece”, 4’33’’ - a piece that would have the music world scratching their heads. This episode asks whether 4’33’’ is really “silent”, and we explore the history of a piece musicians still talk about today - and speak to the man who campaigned to get it to the top the British charts in 2010. Featuring composers Kyle Gann and Nahre Sol, and artist Dave Hilliard.


Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound.

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Check out Kyle Gann’s No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage's 4'33" wherever you get your books.

See Nahre’s work at nahresol.com.

Find Dave Hilliard on Instragram at davehilliardart

Listen to more of Martin Zalta Austwick’s music at palebirdmusic.com.

Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/433

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