John Cage's "Cage: The Works for Percussion, Vol. 4 – Music for Speaking Percussionist" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde and experimental classical music, released on May 5, 2017, under Mode Records - Avant. This album, spanning 1 hour and 18 minutes, showcases Cage's innovative approach to percussion and spoken word, offering a unique listening experience that challenges and engages the mind.
The album features a diverse range of tracks, each demonstrating Cage's signature minimalist and experimental style. From the intricate "A Flower" to the complex "51'15.657" (Realization of 45' for a Speaker & 27'10.554" for a Percussionist)," Cage's compositions push the boundaries of traditional music. The track "The Wonderful Widow of 18 Springs" is a notable highlight, blending spoken word with percussion in a way that is both thought-provoking and musically rich.
Cage's ability to incorporate historical and cultural references into his music is evident in tracks like "Connecting Egypt to Madison through Columbus Ohio, Cage, and the History of the American Labor Movement (Incorporating Music for Marcel Duchamp & Variations 2)." This album is a testament to Cage's enduring influence on the world of experimental music, offering a collection of works that are as intellectually stimulating as they are musically engaging. Whether you're a long-time fan of Cage's work or a newcomer to his unique sound, this album is sure to provide a memorable and enriching listening experience.