In this final written assignment you will have the chance to contemplate what elements make these two musical compositions unique in their own way. Modern or Contemporary Music is so diverse, as I hope this most recent module has highlighted. Therefore, what you are trying to find is the specific aspect of each piece of music that utilizes a medium which had not been previously explored. Please choose only ONE of the two options.
Choice ONE:
John Cage
Sonatas for Prepared Piano
Choice TWO:
Edgard Varese
Deserts
Assignment Questions:
Please list the year in which your chosen composer was born and the year in which they died. Also, please list the country of their birth. (3 points)
Briefly discuss in one or two paragraphs the specific ways your chosen composer implemented contemporary musical techniques into their composition. It will be helpful to outline the ideas behind their decisions to explore this new area. Was this a newly available technology that showed potential? Was it just something no one had ever considered before? Make sure to include a bibliography of your sources. (7 points)