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Difficulty

Primary Instrumentation

Number of Performers

Suggested Performance Venue

Instrumentation

From the score:

"Any household objects or architectural elements may be used"..."magazines, newpaper...table...furniture....largish books...floor, wall, door...Do not use conventional beaters."

Brief Review

This piece is intended to be an informal and fun tune for four musicians. It has become known as one of John Cage's earliest explorations of "found" instruments (household objects).

Performance Notes

John Cage orchestrated the piece "with or without instrumental solo with percussion trio".

In performances that I have seen, the ensembles have tended to bring actual household furniture onto the stage -- like props then the performers have pretended to actually be in their own living room.

Additional Information

Is this perhaps an early version of "reality TV"? (Before TV.) Musicians, presumably in their own living room, would perform for an live audience.

On other topics:

• It's worth noting that John Cage borrowed text from Gertrude Stein, "The World is Round".
• This piece has been parodied by Rupert Kettle, "Dining Room Music".