The Silent Network—The Music of Wandelweiser (original) (raw)

This essay examines Wandelweiser as a unique social and artistic formation while considering the social import of the group's artistic works. Tracing Wandelweiser's history and analyzing a selection of its musical works, the group is considered in relation to historical avant-garde movements and contemporary network theory. Though lacking an official manifesto, Wandelweiser's aesthetic program can be located largely in its interpretations of John Cage's silent composition 4′33″. Expressed in the various interviews, writings, and musical works of Wandelweiser members, these readings of Cage's work—largely consonant with the consideration of ‘silence as an autonomous musical phenomenon'—are contrasted with existing and original interpretations of 4′33″ which underline its potential as a conceptual, discursive, and socially engaged musical work.