Name                                                                   .  Date                                                                    . Topic Indeterminacy and the music of John Cage (b. 1912). Musical Sources: Sonatas and Interludes (1948), Music of Changes (1951), Music for Piano(1952-56), Variations I-IV  (1958-63), and 4í33" . Overview Indeterminacy is the intentional utilization of some degree of chance in the process of composition and/or the performance of music.  The acceptance of the practice stems primarily from the influence of the composer John Cage.  Some of his compositions that illustrate the principal of indeterminacy are listed above. Stylistic Traits * General.  A "textural atmosphere created from the deliberate yet random placement of individual events against a neutral background of silence" (Morgan, p366) * Melody - random * Harmonic language - random * Rhythm - random * Timbre - random * Form - random Activity: * Composition.  Using principles of indeterminacy, compose an original work for an ensemble of instruments or voices performable by members of the class.  You may turn in the assignment as a printout of the score and parts, or as a handout of the set of instructions for performance of the work. Make copies of the handout for all class members.  If presented as a traditional score, it is suggested to use "Finale" or some other music notation software to typeset the example.  Be prepared to discuss the compositional techniques in class. Suggested length: 16 to 32 measures, 1 or 2 minutes.  AND, EITHERÖ * Prepare a performance of one of the above activity as a conductor or as a participating instrumentalist or vocalist.  This may require rehearsal prior to the class meeting. ORÖ * Using "Performer" or some other MIDI sequencing software, prepare a MIDI performance file of the work.  Turn in the assignment as a standard MIDI file (.smf) on a diskette.  Be prepared to play the sequence in class.