Cage - The Perilous Night (1944) [Score Video]

John Cage - The Perilous Night, for Prepared Piano (1944)
Pianist: Bejamin Kobler
Performance Link: • John Cage - The Perilo...
This is a composition in six untitled movements. It was written during a period in Cage’s life that was tinged with confusion and sadness, resulting, in large part, from his imminent separation from his wife, Xenia. The title derives from a collection of Irish folktales. The music recounts the dangers of erotic love, the misery of people separating, and the loneliness and terror one may experience when love becomes unhappy. The piano preparation is moderately elaborate and each of the work’s six movements has a different rhythmic structure.
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7:11 4
9:41 5
10:28 6
14:31 Performance Notes

[@machida5114]

sodelicious......................

[@markbrooks7157]

One of Cage’s best pieces.

[@connorcmusician]

so deliciously based

[@yesorno9222]

that's unique...but I like it

[@syncmusic4007]

what did you do the piano mate

[@hemiolaguy]

It's called a "prepared piano." Google it, it's very interesting.

[@hemiolaguy]

It's called a "prepared piano." Google it.

[@Whatismusic123]

The world would have been a better place had Cage never been born into it.

[@JosephOzielComposer]

Wow I’m so glad you love the piece. It’s great to have more Cage enjoyers

[@hemiolaguy]

I'm sure Mr. Cage felt the same way about you.

[@Whatismusic123]

no, *mr cage* is delusional enough to go on some religious tirade about how everyone is equally important in the progress of culture and society and how me speaking against his cult is actually a good thing. @@hemiolaguy

[@philipconnelly1505]

​​@Whatismusic123 You know Cage has been dead for more than 30 years? And no, he never said that everyone is equally important or that those speaking against him is a good thing. You're making things up, Johann.

[@philipconnelly1505]

​@@hemiolaguyAs if Cage would have cared for WIM's (real name: Johann Kari Baldursson) opinion.