Souvenir (1983)

John Cage (1912–1992) — Souvenir (1983) for organ

“Souvenir” (1983) was commissioned by the American Guild of Organists for the 1984 National Convention in San Francisco, California. The project was spearheaded by Fred Tulan, and the work was premiered in a convention recital by John Rose. Although dating from Cage’s later years, it is different from most of his works of that period. The traditionally notated “Souvenir” is reminiscent of music from his earlier decades, especially the piano solo “Dream” (1948). A wandering, modal melodic texture is interrupted by several contrasting events.

The American composer John Cage (1912–1992) is one of the most iconic and influential musical figures of the 20th century. A student of Henry Cowell and Arnold Schoenberg, Cage also took great influence from his personal studies of Asian musical cultures and Zen Buddhism. He was a pioneer of musical indeterminacy, electro-acoustic music, and extended and unusual instrumental techniques (such as the prepared piano). Cage was also important in the development of the field of modern dance (through his close collaboration with his longtime partner Merce Cunningham.) With an output of hundreds of musical compositions spanning 60 years and extensive activity as an iconoclastic lecturer, essayist, and poet, Cage’s influence on the diverse musical landscape can hardly be overstated.

Published by Edition Peters