4'34" by Andrew Oliver [READ DESCRIPTION]

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Inspired by my favorite composition by John Cage, I have decided to make an improved version of his song. There are a few ways that I have improved his song. The first (and biggest) way is by using one note instead of zero. I can respect what Cage was attempting with his song, but I think it’s significantly more challenging to get his message across when there aren’t any notes. One note, however, is the perfect amount to convey the meaning of the song without overwhelming the audience. Additionally, I have replaced the piano from the original premiere with the vastly superior viola. As the most respected instrument, it will grab the audience's attention far more effectively than a piano which historically has been ridiculed and ostracized. Finally, I have added an additional second onto the length of the song to ensure that the message is made clear and the audience has enough time to process it.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The song has many deep meanings in the way it is written. The time and key signatures represent how even though situations may seem scary in the moment, if you look at the overall big picture you can see that it’s not so bad. The song being only one note represents how we should try to be content with our life instead of worrying and trying to make big changes. The tempo being 50 bpm represents how most people don’t feel secure in life until they’re middle-aged. The note being C flat represents how we often try to see (c) and predict our future, but often our predictions fall flat (flat). The vibrato throughout the song represents the shakiness of life and how we never fully feel stable. The lack of bowings represents how we get to choose our own direction in life regardless of if those choices are for the best. The dynamic marking represents how we all need to show confidence in ourselves even when we don’t feel it. The clef represents how some parts of life suck and we can’t always control it. The length of the song and long held note represent how life is made up of lots of short moments but those moments can feel like they last forever.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Thank you for humoring me as I explain my composition and I hope it changes your life as much as 4’33” by John Cage changed mine. Also, subscribe.