Composer

:

John Cage

Genre

:

Electronic/Computer

Style

:

Electronic Music

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

30:31

'Fontana Mix' is a composition by John Cage, which was composed in 1958. The piece was premiered in Milan, Italy, on May 16, 1958, at the Teatro Lirico. The composition is a tape piece, which means that it is created by manipulating recorded sounds. The title of the piece refers to the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, which is a famous fountain that is known for its sound. The composition consists of four movements, which are titled "Fontana Mix with Aria," "Fontana Mix with Solos," "Fontana Mix with Ensembles," and "Fontana Mix with Electronics." Each movement is created by manipulating different recorded sounds, which are played back through a tape machine. The sounds used in the composition include recordings of everyday objects, such as doors, bells, and water, as well as recordings of musical instruments and voices. One of the characteristics of 'Fontana Mix' is its use of chance operations. Cage was known for his use of chance operations in his compositions, and 'Fontana Mix' is no exception. The sounds used in the composition were selected randomly, and the order in which they are played back is also determined by chance operations. This means that the composition is different every time it is performed. Another characteristic of 'Fontana Mix' is its use of indeterminacy. Indeterminacy is a concept that Cage developed, which involves leaving certain aspects of a composition up to chance or the performer's interpretation. In 'Fontana Mix,' the performer is given a set of instructions for manipulating the tape machine, but the exact sounds that are produced are left up to chance. Overall, 'Fontana Mix' is a groundbreaking composition that pushed the boundaries of what was considered music at the time. Its use of chance operations and indeterminacy paved the way for future experimental composers, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary music today.

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