[silence] The percussion Number Pieces of John Cage

[Lê Quan Ninh]

Hello,

For having performed Three2 and Four4  many times (as well as Four6  
which not especially for percussion) I never understood that several  
instruments could be used for one number within a time-bracket. As  
it's indicated in Three2, they are only three instruments ("three  
numbered but not specified instruments") and in Four4 : "Single  
percussion sounds".
Percussion instruments are not only designed to be beated but can also  
be used with "extended" techniques. My point of view is that every  
numbered sound must  be very clearly indentified : a listener could  
recognize it immediately at its second occurence. These sounds must be  
simple, meaning that their parameters are flat  : dynamics, timbre,  
color, spectrum, etc. don't change during their production.
They are "put on the table" and the "only" thing required from the  
musicians and the listeners is to pay attention to them (even loving  
them) without any will or expression. Only the relations between this  
"simple" sounds in presence makes the piece something enjoyable.

Ninh

PS : sorry for my english.

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Lê Quan Ninh
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