[silence] Performing Number Pieces with Major Orchestras

[Glenn Freeman]

Based on my experience recording these works with orchestral players  
(both in Grand Rapids and in Prague) here is my suggestion to  
conductors:

Instead of a rehearsal or rehearsals provide a copy of Cage's written  
instructions along with the parts. The conductor meets alone with each  
musician for 10 minutes or longer. Ask each musician to play his part  
(from the beginning) for 1 minute and then randomly choose another 4  
minutes of the piece to be played. Make comments based on what  
happens. Take questions from the performer. The conductor is  
encouraged to not provide any approach or interpretation but rather to  
simply be there in order to help increase the other musician's  
understanding of the rules Cage makes so clear in the music. Schedule  
additional appointments for musicians who still seem unclear.

There are potentially numerous other methods ... but this is how I  
would do things.

Glenn Freeman
OgreOgress productions
http://ogreogress.com