John Cage - String Quartet (1950)

John Cage - String Quartet

From the LP Modern American Music Series [ML 4495 Columbia]

Performers:

New Music String Quartet: B. Erle, M. Rdimondi - violins; W. Trampler - viola; C. Adam - cello

Great to be back from hiatus. Posts from me will still be sporadic as I still have obligations to deal with offline. Yes, I am currently looking for employment as my temp job or what the company likes to call a contract position ended. With inflation going at a rapid rate here in the US, I need money more than ever to pay the rent and bills while hoping that there is a little spending money left over for records. However, I'll be trying to ease my way back into the flow of posting here.

Also, hopefully, I will have a cool-looking banner in place soon at the blog's header where the blog title is placed. I just haven't had enough time to get around to it, plus I am not adept at graphic design. I'm also contemplating a few minor template changes.

Another thing to mention. Why no comments on the last post (Midsummer Nights)? Surely, someone out there was moved by it. [UPDATE: Never mind about that.]

Now on to the subject of this post which is John Cage's "String Quartet" which is my now-favorite piece of music for this particular instrumental configuration. My copy has some noticeable vinyl crackle, but I think it enhances the music and Cage may have appreciated that as well.

Information from the liner notes:

John Cage's String Quartet, composed in 1950, marks a return on the part of the composer to writing for conventional instruments after a period of doing experimental compositions for percussion instruments and the "prepared piano."
The first movement of this four movement work was written in Paris and in it the composer has attempted to express something of the feeling of life there, with suggestions of Satie for whom Mr. Cage has great admiration. The remaining three movements were written in New York City, and in the second movement in particular, the composer believes, there is a consciousness of a return to New York. Mr. Cage further explains that the four movements of the work are, in a sense, like the seasons, the first movement being Summer, the second Fall, the third Winter, and the fourth Spring with its evocation of popular street tunes.
The composer is conscious of the fact that his interest in Oriental philosophy has been an influence on the Quartet, with its movement toward stillness and tranquility. The third movement which is nearly stationary is the center of the work, says Mr. Cage.

Tracklisting:

1. String Quartet: First Movement: Quietly flowing along {4:41}

2. String Quartet: Second Movement: Slowly rocking {4:45}

3. String Quartet: Third Movement: Nearly Stationary {11:00}

4. String Quartet: Fourth Movement: Quodlibet {1:24}

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