Episode 992 | Silence in Sound: A Critical Conversation About John Cage's 4'33

In this episode of Sound Unheard, Alessia
and Victor take a critical look at one of the
most iconic—and controversial—pieces of
contemporary music: John Cage's 4'33”. Often
hailed as revolutionary, the piece consists of
four minutes and thirty-three seconds of
"silence," with no notes or melodies played by
the musicians. But is it truly a masterstroke of
art, or just an intellectual gimmick?
The hosts dive deep into the conceptual
nature of 4'33”, questioning whether the
piece's “silence” is a profound commentary on
the nature of sound, or if it’s just an exercise
in pretentiousness. Along the way, Alex
shares a personal perspective on the piece,
reflecting on his experience with his deaf
father and how the concept of "listening"
extends beyond just hearing.
This isn’t your typical praise-filled
conversation about music—prepare for some
honest, sometimes harsh criticism as they
explore whether Cage’s composition really
delivers on its promises, or if it’s just a trick to
make audiences feel like they’re missing
something.