A Tribute to John Cage
Synopsis
A Tribute to John Cage is Paik's homage to avant-garde composer John Cage. A major figure in contemporary art and music, Cage was one of the primary influences on Paik's work, as well as his friend and frequent collaborator. In this multifaceted portrait, Paik creates a pastiche of Cage's performances and anecdotes, interviews with friends and colleagues, and examples of Paik's participatory music and television works that parallel Cage's strategies and concerns. The methodology and philosophies that inform Cage's radical musical aesthetic — chance, randomness, the democratization of sounds — are evident as he performs such seminal pieces as 4'33" (of complete silence) in Harvard Square, or throws the I Ching to determine performance sites. Among the collage of elements included in this work are segments from Paik's Zen for TV; Paik and Charlotte Moorman in early performances, including the TV Bra; and anecdotes from composer Alvin Lucier.
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Nam June Paik
- Original Title
- A Tribute to John Cage
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 29m
- Production Studios
- Thirteen
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Nam June Paik
Department Leadership Roster
Nam June Paik
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for A Tribute to John Cage.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Tribute to John Cage
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A Tribute to John Cage about?
A Tribute to John Cage is Paik's homage to avant-garde composer John Cage. A major figure in contemporary art and music, Cage was one of the primary influences on Paik's work, as well as his friend and frequent collaborator. In this multifaceted portrait, Paik creates a pastiche of Cage's performances and anecdotes, interviews with friends and colleagues, and examples of Paik's participatory music and television works that parallel Cage's strategies and concerns. The methodology and philosophies that inform Cage's radical musical aesthetic — chance, randomness, the democratization of sounds — are evident as he performs such seminal pieces as 4'33" (of complete silence) in Harvard Square, or throws the I Ching to determine performance sites. Among the collage of elements included in this work are segments from Paik's Zen for TV; Paik and Charlotte Moorman in early performances, including the TV Bra; and anecdotes from composer Alvin Lucier.
Who directed A Tribute to John Cage?
A Tribute to John Cage was directed by Nam June Paik.
Who stars in A Tribute to John Cage?
The principal cast of A Tribute to John Cage includes John Cage, Nam June Paik, Charlotte Moorman, Alvin Lucier, Richard Teitelbaum.
When was A Tribute to John Cage released and how long is it?
A Tribute to John Cage was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 29m.