smokerblog

J: So what do you think of the guy that is being sued by the John Cage estate?
T: Actually the score to John Cage’s piece didn’t make 4’33” explicit, he only said the title is derived from the length of any given performance. So 1’00” was, in a way, already accounted for.
J: You think the guy should pay?
T: Of course, he stole someone else’s idea and made it his own
J: So you’re saying that John Cage has a permanent copyright on all silent music
T: I guess that does kind of put a damper on the possibility of a genre that could have been silent music, doesn't it...
J: I hope you’re not making fun of me
T: No, I was thinking I could specialize in silent music… become the most prolific composer in my field.

I've also heard that if Batt hadn't explicitly referenced Cage in his song's title, then his 1'00" piece could be argued to have been an original work, i.e., not derivitave of Cage's.

I'm thinking about writing a piece for 99 metronomes...
http://www.artnotart.com/fluxus/gligeti-poemesymphonique.html

hey i just thought i would say that we actually studied 4:33 at school and it was hillarious. i find the copyright on his pieces of music absurd. most music (and i dare not say all as thatwould be generalising)is derived from something else. for example,peter sculthorpe takes most of his styles of music from others; whether it be aboriginals, mendelssohn or anyone else he admires in some way....and peter sculthorpe is much liked. so we must not criticise one for taking someone elses style and not another

Thanks Jazmin, I think you've got a good point. If Batt had said he was only inspired by Cage, then he would be fine, legally speaking, I think maybe.

But if not, Cage's estate still holds the copyright on silent music, so all you have to do is wait for the copyright to expire when silent music will then become available in the public domain.

I think you should reconsider the background music for your site. If the Cage estate ever finds out...

You like that? I call it "Threnody for a Dying Hard Drive." My application with ASCAP is pending.