John Cage was an American composer who lived from 1912 to 1992, a central and often controversial figure of postwar experimental music known for pioneering the prepared piano, chance-based composition using tools such as the I Ching, and his most famous and debated work, 4'33", a 1952 piece in which the performer plays nothing for its duration, directing the audience's attention to ambient sound. He also worked extensively with modern dance, above all through his lifelong collaboration with choreographer Merce Cunningham, and his ideas profoundly shaped later minimalist and avant-garde music.
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Sound Art, Art Forms John Cages chance-based compositions and works built from environmental and non-musical sound, most famously 4 33, are foundational to sound art as a practice distinct from conventional composition.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: John Cage
Gender referenceQuote, Gender reference
He was also instrumental in the development of modern dance, mostly through his association with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also Cage's romantic partner for most of their lives.
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