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4' 33"
There are 15 reviews so far.
Genius, however...
"Yes I understand the piece. A genius artistic move to have the audience become aware of the ambient sounds around them. However, why purchase it for probably a total sum of 15 bucks (currency exchange, shipping, taxes), when most people have it memorized already?"
— Anonnie on November 11, 2009
Outdoor Performance
"This piece would be interesting for an outdoor recital!"
— Anonymous on January 12, 2009
Some of you just don't understand....
"If you treat this piece like any other, then you are doing it an injustice. This is the boldest thing that was done in all of 20th century music. If you treat this as just some jerk sitting at a piano for 4 minutes and 33 seconds, then yes, it is an insipidly moronic idea. If you look at this as more of a statement, I think you'll find it has a much deeper meaning. You have to understand that what Cage wanted was for you to start thinking about what music really is. I think a respectable musician at least has to give this concept a chance. Anyone who immediately dismisses this work as "stupid" or "pointless" is a hard-headed fool who doesn't deserve to be a musician. If you disagree with me, go listen to some Elgar. Have a nice day."
— 789 from The Moon on December 19, 2008
Most versatile work in my repetoire
"A great work of art, different every time and performable with any size/type of ensemble. I plan to perform it in a recital next semester."
— Tribs from Menifee, CA on July 21, 2007
How it Works
"Most people don't get it, but this music isn't stupid or anything. The whole point is to get some friends together, sit down, and listen to it (nothing essentially) for 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Why? Because if you do, what will you hear? Your friends aren't going to be quiet...they're going to be confused! What going on? they'll ask. Someone may get bored and start drumming their fingers. A plane could go by overhead. This all adds to this piece of music! The whole point was to listen to the world around you...the music that's already there! Plus, the music changes every time it is played! How cool is that? (Oh, but don't BUY it! Though, Cage actually did write out a whole bunch of notes that do equal 4'3'') Oh, and try to "play" it at a piano with a straight face while you turn the pages at the right times. I can't think of many musicians who could do that without cracking up."
— Anonymous from -- on January 11, 2007
My favorite Cage composition
"Arguably his most inspiring and controversial piece, 4'33" sets the standard for future minimalist and aleatoric compositions -- at least, if we have any luck at all. Unfortunately, it never gets any radio play. The Andy Warhol of classical music, Cage never surpassed this little gem. Note that it's techically very demanding, and performance almost always requires an accomplished professional page-turner."
— learjeff from Durham, NC USA on May 8, 2006
....
"The only reason I think someone should buy this is if they're a big John Cage fan, and just want something to add to their collection. Other than that, there really isn't a practical purpose to buying this. Nobody needs a piece of paper to tell them to be quiet, and before anyone reading this says "This guy just doesn't understand", it is very possible to understand something and still not like (just like a bad joke). That being said, it's probably the best avant-garde piece ever written, which tells what I think of most 20th century "serious" music. "
— A guy who doesn't pretend, to impress from Minneapolis, MN on March 19, 2006
Genius
"this piece is amazing, you dont need sheet music to play it but i think the idea they actually printed it out is hilarious but this work is subtle and makes you think... if you feel that this is a 4 minute 33 second waste of time then you have obviously have no understanding of the music and in turn what music surrounds you"
— Anonymous on January 19, 2006
At long last, a piece of silence...
"In today's overbusy world it is refreshing to be able to focus on the most simple music of all- silence. For insightful composer John Cage this reality came to light as the breakthrough "silence" piece 4'33". It's piece that has the potential to move the listener more than few other pieces can. A brilliant piece."
— mb on September 27, 2005
Misunderstood piece
"This piece of music is more about what it isn't than what it is. The piece forces the audience to consider the nature of sound. And if you think it's so simple or even moronic, ask yourself why no one did it before Cage?"
— Art is for Appreciation from Washington on July 25, 2005
Avant garde at its most insipidly moroni
"Avant garde at its most insipidly moronic. A "piece" of "music" in which the instrumentalist simply doesn't do anything? Sounds like a mediocre comedy sketch. Why on earth is this thing even published?"
— A Musician from San Diego, California on July 20, 2005
"silence" doesn't exist.....
"This piece isn't about the sheet music. But it is certainly a composition, for sure. The only thing is, the composer of this music is not Cage. He is simply pointing us in the right direction, to hear the music made by life. Most people don't get it, but it is a powerful and beautiful thing once you do. And it will change your life. Once you hear the music around you all the time, you won't need an iPod -- you'll just need to listen.... and enjoy. Most people don't get it, but it is a powerful and beautiful thing once you do. And it will change your life. Once you hear the music around you all the time, you won't need an iPod -- you just need to listen... and enjoy. "
— k. koechley from San Francisco, CA on March 15, 2005
What?
"What is this? I paid [...] for 3 movements of tacet??? You're joking right? I could have thrown my high school transcript on the music stand and gotten as much music out of it!"
— Anonymous from Marietta, Ga on March 5, 2005
AMAZING!!!
"[...]The preview pages are the entire piece!!! That said, what a great idea. Anyone can perform this piece!"
— Old Codger from Atlanta, GA on February 10, 2005
yo yo jamma
"this is probably one of the toughest pieces john cage ever did. This may be my favorite piece by him because it just speaks to your soul. the use of silence adds a eery presence, and as the final note strikes if you aren't moved then something is wrong with you"
— Anonymous from mn on January 25, 2004
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