31′57.9864″ for a Pianist (1954)

This work is part of “The Ten Thousand Things” project. Notation of this work is spatial, with space being equal to time. The material provided may be used in whole or in part, and the resulting work may also be joined with other time-length pieces to provide a solo or ensemble work for any combination of players up to 2 pianists, 5 string players, and 1 percussionist. The production of harmonics and use of the pedal is free, and noises are included, in 3 categories. The preparations fall into 5 categories and are chosen by the performer (defined by string and material, as well as placement), as are decisions about preparation changes to be made during performance. This work is relatively easy to play – Cage composed it for himself to perform, together with 34′46.776″ for a Pianist, which he wrote for David Tudor. Certain specifics of the work are graphed. The rhythmic structure is 3-7-2-5-11. The compositional means were chance operations and the use of the imperfections found in the paper upon which the work was written.