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  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ JOHN CAGE: FOUR WALLS
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 5029365885027 (Barcode: 5029365885027) ~ ITALY ~ Classical Music
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
This is a 3CD album presenting music by the great 20th Century American composer John CageFind albums by this artist. Subtitled “Complete works for piano & voice / Complete works for piano & violin”, the music is performed by Italian pianist Giancarlo SimonacciFind albums by this artist, violinist David SimonacciFind albums by this artist, British soprano singer Lorna WindsorFind albums by this artist and the Italian Ars LudiFind albums by this artist percussion ensemble. They perform fifteen compositions (a total of fifty-four tracks) by Cage, mostly written in his early years between early 1930s and early 1950s, with just two pieces composed in the early 1990s shortly before his death.
Cage’s convoluted life story and work history is a fascinating tale of the Avant-Garde Classical music of the 20th Century. Although influenced by the European Avant-Gardists, like Arnold SchoenbergFind albums by this artist, Olivier MessiaenFind albums by this artist or Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist, Cage developed his unique approach to composition, which constantly developed and changed during his entire lifespan and which was completely American, like that of his close friend / composer Morton FeldmanFind albums by this artist. While famous as the composer of the controversial piece “4`33``”, most of his music remains mostly overlooked and relatively rarely performed, which is a great shame.
Quite unexpectedly, despite the Avant-Garde phobia, which surrounds his music, everything one can hear in this wonderful collection is surprisingly “polite”, melodic, serene and overall beautiful. It is of course minimalist and requires patience and open-mindedness, but which great music doesn’t?
Overall, this is an astounding musical experience, which I highly recommend to anybody, who gets bored and tired of the garbage that gets stuck in our ears constantly, even if we try to avoid it. Listening to this music is a healing / cleansing experience, which penetrates both the heart and soul. Essential listening!
| | Updated: 01/06/2026Posted: 01/06/2026 | CD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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