John Cage: Journeys in Sound (DVD)

UPC: 4260234830316

Product Features

• Film Directors: Allan Miller & Paul Smaczny
• Composer: John Cage
• Running Time: 60:35 (Film), 49:25 (Bonus)
• Audio Formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
• Video Format: NTSC 16:9
• Subtitles: German, English, French, Japanese, Korean
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• Label: Accentus Music
• Release Year: 2012
• Disc Format: DVD-9

Overview

John Cage: Journeys in Sound is an insightful documentary that delves into the life and multifaceted legacy of John Cage, one of the most pioneering and enigmatic figures in American avant-garde music. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny, this documentary paints a vibrant portrait of Cage through interviews, rare archival footage, and performances. Whether exploring his fascination with chance, his Zen philosophy, his love of mushrooms, or his boundary-pushing musical compositions, the film celebrates Cage’s radical and enduring influence on contemporary music and art.

The documentary features concert excerpts and short episodes shot in the U.S., Germany, and Japan. It includes appearances by many of Cage’s collaborators and artists influenced by him, such as Yoko Ono, Merce Cunningham, and Wolfgang Rihm. The film’s unique structure mirrors the playful, exploratory spirit that defined Cage's life and work.

Bonus Features

• 4’33" – Performed by David Tudor (includes interview)
• Second Construction – Performed by Schlagquartett Köln
• Sonata I from Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano – Performed by Steffen Schleiermacher
• Water Music – Performed by Steffen Schleiermacher
• Interview with John Cage
• Merce Cunningham and Robert Rauschenberg

Interesting Facts

• John Cage’s 4'33", featured in the bonus content, is one of his most famous and controversial works, where performers remain silent for 4 minutes and 33 seconds, allowing the ambient sounds in the performance space to become the music.
• Cage was a master of integrating chance and indeterminacy into his compositions, often letting randomness dictate elements of the music.
• Beyond music, Cage was also deeply involved in visual art, writing, and performance art, influencing a broad range of creative fields.
• This film offers interviews with many notable figures who worked with or were inspired by Cage, including Yoko Ono, who credits Cage as a major influence on her own avant-garde work.
• The documentary provides a well-rounded look at Cage’s life, from his early career to his lasting legacy as one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century.

Track Listing

Documentary: John Cage: Journeys in Sound – 60:35
Bonus Performances & Interviews: – 49:25

Publishers

• Accentus Music
• WDR

Hashtags

#JohnCage #AvantGardeMusic #JourneyInSound #ExperimentalMusic #AllanMiller #PaulSmaczny #YokoOno #MerceCunningham #4Minutes33Seconds #AccentusMusic #ContemporaryMusic