We will present two of the most prominent composers of the 20th-century in New York, two friends – John Cage (1912–1992) and Morton Feldman (1926–1987). Their music will be discussed by their friend Petr Kotík at an extra special concert. Kotík will lead an expert discussion about their works as a long-time collaborator of both composers, in particular of John Cage (continuous collaboration in the years 1964–1992).

On 18 December 1950, John Cage wrote in a letter to Pierre Boulez: “Feldman’s music is extremely beautiful now. It changes with each piece, I find him my closest friend now among the composers here.”

John Cage – a leading figure of the New York School of music, composer, admirer of visual and dance art, avid mycologist, creator of audiovisual art, whose leading musical principles include indeterminacy and chance.

Morton Feldman – created his own system of musical notation (including scores written on square paper). His compositions are characterized by a quiet dynamic range and extended duration. The compositions written toward the end of his life are extremely long, such as String Quartet II (1983), which lasts several hours without a break.

Selected Program:

John Cage

• Concert for Piano and Orchestra (1957–1958)

Morton Feldman

• Four Instruments for piano, violin, viola and cello (1975)

John Cage

• Cheap Imitation (flute version, dedicated to Petr Kotík)
• One of the major works of the 20th century will follow:

either

John Cage

• Atlas Eclipticalis (1961–1962)

or

Morton Feldman

• For Samuel Beckett for 23 players (1987)