Ok. This is one of the most bizarre works and moments in symphonic performance. It's called 4'33" by John Cage. It consists of three movements performed over 4 minutes and 33 seconds. The entire orchestra, conductor and all, remain silent for each movement and therefore, the entire length of the piece. Piece? The idea of the work is that we are constantly surrounded by music all the time. All we have to do is listen.

I'm not sure why the audience gives a standing ovation. Why the conductor is taking extended bows. Or for that matter, what the commentator is going on about.

Antheil, an American composer, wrote this score to accompany a dadaist film. This piece of ballet music which is impossible to play in full, is set to a film by Fernand Léger (1881 – 1955). Strangely, it was not until the 1990s that the film and score were brought together. The film and music is a masterful example of the movement. It is hard to believe that this is from the 1920s, nearly 100 years ago. Here is the Ballet Mécanique (with plane
propellers and various other strange instruments). This is Antheil’s most famous work.

 

Forget "crowd sourcing." Just look around and contract the work out. Result? A happy client and medals in every show.

Who thinks this stuff up?