The investigation of the connections between eminent musicians and theorists, such as Cage and Adorno, who both received rigorous musical training from the eminent Schonberg, arouses a profound sense of intrigue. Notably, Cage and Adorno held a similar viewpoint regarding the “concrete particular,” using music as an investigative tool to examine the underlying logic of materials. However, Cage, transcending the limitations of musicality, broadened this conceptual framework to encompass the entire natural and cultural realm. According to his perceptive perspective, “art changes because the sciences change; changes in science give artists different understandings of how nature works.”
The investigative mode that permeates John Cage’s musical ethos is a distinctive aspect of his artistic philosophy. He viewed music not as merely a medium for expression or diversion, but as a profound investigation into the very essence of materials. Observing the manner in which Cage’s all-encompassing perspective incorporated not only the fundamental components of music but also the broader fabric of our natural and cultural environment is utterly captivating. By interweaving these seemingly disparate elements, Cage sought to foster a holistic artistic experience, bridging the gap that separates music from the wider world.
This profound viewpoint compelled Cage to create his own interpretation of the “theoretical object” within the realm of music. Through meticulous research, he uncovered a previously unknown fact: the air that surrounds us vibrates at frequencies beyond the range of human auditory perception. Although we cannot hear these sonic oscillations, they are fundamental components of our environment. By recognizing the existence of these imperceptible sonic phenomena, Cage forayed into uncharted territories of musical exploration, thereby expanding the limits of conventional comprehension. This audacious leap enabled the discovery of a previously unexplored sonic landscape, ultimately revealing novel artistic expression possibilities.
Drawing intriguing parallels between Cage’s viewpoint and Marshall McLuhan’s “Gutenberg galaxy” reveals a profound conceptual connection. McLuhan propagated the concept of “silence,” by which he ascribed distinct voices to all fields of knowledge, thus challenging the conventional reliance on printed texts as the sole source of wisdom and comprehension. The demise of the book, according to McLuhan, did not herald the end of language; rather, it represented a transformative process — an ongoing evolution in the ways we communicate and acquire knowledge.
This sentiment chimes with Cage’s exploration of music as a medium that transcends conventional notation. It suggests that the boundaries of artistic expression and comprehension are fluid and in a constant state of flux, adapting to the dynamic fluctuations of our world. In the same way that the Gutenberg galaxy thrives on intertextuality, borrowing, and collage, art perpetually absorbs and assimilates novel ideas, perspectives, and scientific developments.
One is struck by the inherent symbiosis between artistic disciplines and the larger world upon profound reflection on these profound ideas. Cage’s assertion that art evolves in response to scientific progress serves as a stark reminder that art is not an autonomous entity; rather, it is an ever-evolving manifestation of our collective knowledge and comprehension. By adopting this viewpoint, artists can tap into the dynamic energy of change and engage in a lively dialogue with their environment.
The emphasis that Cage places on the logic of materials resonates with Adorno’s concept of the “concrete particular.” Both theorists acknowledged the importance of investigating the intrinsic qualities and characteristics of artistic materials. By conducting such research, they aimed to unearth new modes of comprehension and produce works firmly rooted in the distinctive properties of their chosen mediums. This approach rejects the notion of art as an abstract or detached entity, instead emphasizing the importance of a deep engagement with the peculiarities of artistic materials.
According to Cage, the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge has a significant impact on artistic comprehension. Artists gain new perspectives and comprehensions of the world as scientists discover novel insights into the natural world’s workings. This symbiotic relationship between art and science exemplifies the interdependence of human endeavors, in which advances in one field invariably enrich and inspire those in another.
Cage’s exploration of imperceptible air vibrations represents a departure from conventional musical practices. Cage expands the boundaries of conventional musical understanding by acknowledging the existence of these subtle sonic phenomena. He embraces the notion that music transcends structured compositions and intentional sounds, resonating within the encompassing ambient audioscape.
This expansion of musical frontiers is consistent with McLuhan’s theory that silence permeates all fields of study. The claim that silence permits diverse disciplines to articulate themselves implies that there is intrinsic value in listening to and embracing the world’s diverse forms of expression. McLuhan’s assertion that the death of the book does not signal the end of language, but rather its unbroken continuation, suggests that our means of communication and comprehension are fluid and adaptable.
When considering the ideas of Cage and McLuhan, one is reminded of the profound effect that embracing change and the fluidity of artistic expression can have on our perception and appreciation of art. Their insights urge us to adopt a more expansive and dynamic approach to artistic expression, one that transcends rigid definitions and limitations.
Personally, the concept of art as investigation and exploration evokes feelings of empowerment and freedom. It invites us to investigate the materials and processes underlying artistic creation. By adopting this investigative approach, we are compelled to challenge preconceived notions and push the boundaries of what is conventionally considered artistically possible.
In addition, the interdependence between art and other disciplines, such as science and language, demonstrates the universality of creativity. It emphasizes that art has no categorical boundaries and is instead a fundamental expression of human experience and comprehension. This understanding generates limitless opportunities for artistic innovation and collaboration, as artists draw inspiration from a vast array of sources and maintain an ongoing dialogue with the global community.
Together, Cage’s belief in the exploratory nature of art and McLuhan’s theories on language and knowledge urge us to adopt a more expansive and dynamic approach to artistic expression. By embracing change and recognizing the interdependence of diverse fields of knowledge, artists can gain access to new sources of inspiration and produce works that reflect the ever-changing nature of our world. In this context, art emerges as a medium for exploration, a vehicle for comprehension, and a reflection of our collective search for knowledge and meaning.
John Cage, “Silence: Lectures and Writings” (United States)
Theodor W. Adorno, “Philosophy of Modern Music” (Germany)
Arnold Schoenberg, “Theory of Harmony” (Austria)
Marshall McLuhan, “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man” (Canada)
David Nicholls, “The Cambridge History of American Music” (United States)
Richard Kostelanetz, “John Cage: Writer: Previously Uncollected Pieces” (United States)
Jean-Jacques Nattiez, “Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music” (Canada)
Richard Taruskin, “The Oxford History of Western Music” (United States)
Theodor W. Adorno, “Aesthetic Theory” (Germany)
Christopher Small, “Musicking: The Meanings of Performing and Listening” (United Kingdom)