“4’33” ”: A Humanities Center “Happening”

The first public performance of John Cage’s famous composition, “4’33””, took place in Woodstock, New York, on August 29, 1952. Cage’s friend, David Tudor, performed the solo piano piece for a bewildered audience whose noisy discomfort became the musical accompaniment to this otherwise “silent” work. Since then, Cage’s provocative piece has been performed countless times, and not necessarily at a piano. The John Cage Trust has even created a 4'33" app that encourages new performances of “4’33”” throughout the world. 

To celebrate both “Four Silences: Music of John Cage” concert and “Quiet Vision: Prints by John Cage,” members of our community are invited to download the app, create their own recordings of “4’33”” and upload these unique performances to the John Cage Trust’s website — where USD will then be represented on a map identifying all the places that have paid homage to the composition. 

Please note: According to the Cage Trust, their 4’33” app only runs on iPhones with iOS 18 or less. The app also works on Android phones.

Four Silences: Music of John Cage
Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall

“Quiet Vision”: Prints by John Cage
On View: February. 5 to April 2
Gallery Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Humanities Center Gallery, Saints Tekakwitha and Serra Hall, Room 200