Bowls Quote by John Cage
“Percussion music is revolution. Sound and rhythm have too long been submissive to the restrictions of nineteenth century music. Today we are fighting for their emancipation. Tomorrow, with electronic music in our ears, we will hear freedom. At the present stage of revolution, a healthy lawlessness is warranted. Experiment must necessarily be carried on by hitting anything-tin pans, rice bowls, iron pipes-anything we can lay our hands on. Not only hitting, but rubbing, scraping, making sound in every possible way...What we can't do ourselves will be done by machines which we will invent.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: New Music Society, 1962
Percussion should break free from traditional constraints, embracing experimental sounds and technology to achieve true musical freedom.
In simple terms: Percussion must be liberated from old rules using experimentation.
Key Takeaway
Experiment with unconventional objects and electronic tools.
Themes
music
experimentation
freedom
technology
Mood
curious
open‑minded
Type
artistic
experimental
When to use this quote
- composition
- sound design
- performance art
- instrument invention
Key Concepts
Sound art
musical innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can listeners appreciate non‑traditional sounds?
- What role does technology play in musical evolution?
A Different Perspective
Unstructured noise may lack musical coherence for some listeners.
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