In re: Experimental Analysis

TY - JOUR

T1 - In re: Experimental Analysis

AU - Brooks, William

PY - 2015/1/30

Y1 - 2015/1/30

N2 - This article begins by considering the interaction of notation and analysis by means of a comparison of scores from the 1950s. This discussion leads to the domains of error, value, and ethics. An ‘experimental’ mode of analysis is proposed, which takes taxonomy and statistics as a basis; from this one acquires an understanding that is observational rather than evaluative. A philosophical basis is noted in pragmatism, in the writings of James and Peirce. The consequences of this approach are explored through detailed study of Music for Piano and the compositional process that Cage employed; certain anomalies emerge.

AB - This article begins by considering the interaction of notation and analysis by means of a comparison of scores from the 1950s. This discussion leads to the domains of error, value, and ethics. An ‘experimental’ mode of analysis is proposed, which takes taxonomy and statistics as a basis; from this one acquires an understanding that is observational rather than evaluative. A philosophical basis is noted in pragmatism, in the writings of James and Peirce. The consequences of this approach are explored through detailed study of Music for Piano and the compositional process that Cage employed; certain anomalies emerge.

KW - John Cage

KW - analysis

KW - experimental music

KW - error

KW - pragmatism

U2 - 10.1080/07494467.2014.998417

DO - 10.1080/07494467.2014.998417

M3 - Article

SN - 0749-4467

VL - 33

SP - 539

EP - 555

JO - Contemporary Music Review

JF - Contemporary Music Review

IS - 5-6

ER -