by Rob Haskins
I have studied Cage's remarks on harmony and analysis in an attempt to extend the current model of analysis for his music. Some of his remarks suggest that analytical engagement with the "notes on the page" is appropriate so long as we dont impose a monolithic and restrictive account, but offer our reading as one of many possibilities. Such commentary is well suited to the late works known as the Number Pieces, works in which Cage came to a new enthusiasm for harmony, but can be easily extended to include all of Cage's music where pitch plays a decisive role.
[Presented at the Society for American Music 29th Annual Conference, Tempe, Arizona, March 1, 2003.]