Talk:4′33″

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Classical music

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Imperceptibly?

It will open with a single idea which I will attempt to make as seductive as the color and shape and fragrance of a flower. The ending will approach imperceptibility.

Shouldn't the adverbial form "imperceptibly" be used here? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.44.28.30 (talk) 06:29, 26 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

No. 'Imperceptibility' is used as an adjective describing the ending. It does not apply to the verb in the sentence. 2601:602:400:4330:650B:2373:DDC2:ADBB (talk) 10:12, 2 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The word composition

I don't think this "piece" can be described as a "composition", nor can Cage be described as a "composer".

This is because composition are... composed of something, and this isn't it.

I don't think it can also be called a "three-movement" composition, because it's not composed of anything.

Also "for any instrument or combination of instruments"? I think it's redundant to state that you can choose not to play on any musical instrument.

I do not think it's in any way an actual composition, and should not be referred to as such in the page, but I want to reach consensus first. QuickQuokka ^{[⁠talk • contribs]} 14:05, 10 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Some witty remarks I thought up which are irrelevant to the discussion:

4"33' is such an earworm, I listen to it on repeat almost all day every day!
My piano is haunted by a ghost, yesterday I think I saw a ghost play 4"33' on it!
Cut off your ears to listen to 4"33' permanently.

QuickQuokka ^{[⁠talk • contribs]} 14:09, 10 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I attempted to clarify the use of the term 'composition' in the lede. See whether you agree. DannyRogers800 (talk) 22:14, 11 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

This is what I came here to post. Nothing was "composed" here. The actual use of the word in the article as published is wholly inappropriate.

It is not a 'performance piece'; it does not require performance.

It cannot be a statement; it posits nothing.

The only definition of this thing that I can see any practical application of is 'joke'. 2601:602:400:4330:650B:2373:DDC2:ADBB (talk) 10:20, 2 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]

It doesn't "posit nothing." It has a purpose. You may not like it, you may think it phony, but 4'33" is still art. If John Cage deems it art or music, then it is art or music. DannyRogers800 (talk) 10:41, 2 February 2025 (UTC)[reply]