The Roaring Silence, Second Edition

John Cage: A Life

By: David Revill

Narrated by: Peter Brooke

John Cage has been described as the most important composer of our time. He combined classical European training with Eastern spirituality to produce an American amalgam of such vitality and originality that it continues to define what we mean by avant-garde. His influence has touched generations of artists, including Philip Glass, David Byrne, and his longtime collaborator Merce Cunningham. His work and ideas have influenced not only the world of music but also dance, painting, printmaking, video art, and poetry.

The Roaring Silence documents his life in unrivaled detail, interweaving a close account of the evolution of his work with an exploration of his aesthetic and philosophical ideas, while placing these in the greater perspective of American life and letters. Paying due attention to Cage’s inventions, such as the prepared piano, and his pioneering use of indeterminate notation and chance operations in composition (utilizing the I Ching), David Revill also illuminates Cage the performer, printmaker, watercolorist, expert amateur mycologist, game show celebrity, political anarchist, and social activist.

Arnold Schoenberg once called Cage "not a composer, but an inventor - of genius." This revised edition presents never-before-seen correspondence between Cage and other luminaries of his day, as well as new analysis into his legacy. The Roaring Silence celebrates the life and work of this true American original.

©1992, David Revill (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Excellent

Detailed interesting great biography and index of work.
Great narration and very easy to listen to and retain.

A clear homage to a dedicated artist

I was a modern dancer in the 60s and 70s, and crossed paths with many of the individuals who appear in this volume, including briefly meeting John himself. Mr. Revill’s account was both informative and nostalgic for me, and I appreciate the accuracy of his research and reporting.
My only disappointment was the frequency with which the narrator mispronounced the names of such eminent people as Viola Farber, Jean Erdman, Alvin Lucier, and many others. Seems like a little more auditory research would have been appropriate… otherwise, Mr. Brooke is pleasant to listen to, and sustains the narrative quite satisfactorily.
I highly recommend this to those interested in understanding the life, work and impact of John Cage.